NORTHVILLE, Mich. – Northville Public Schools is warning parents about a major construction project that will transform the intersection connecting 7 Mile Road with Sheldon Road and Center Street into a single-lane roundabout.
Construction begins Monday, Aug. 25. 7 Mile Road will remain open in both directions throughout the project to accommodate the Wayne County truck route. Beginning the week of Sept. 1, Sheldon Road and Center Street will be closed near the project area. A detour will direct north and south traffic to 6 Mile Road, Beck Road, and 8 Mile Road.
The district is asking parents who are driving their kids to school to allow for extra travel time and review detour routes. According to the district website, key improvements of the project will include:
- A concrete single-lane roundabout at 7 Mile Rd / Sheldon Rd / Center St, with separated right-turn lanes on the east and south legs.
- Asphalt resurfacing and striping at 7 Mile Rd / Wing St / St. Lawrence Blvd.
- Pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements, including reduced crossing distances, bike on/off ramps, and enhanced signage/striping.
- Accommodations for large trucks.
It’s a welcome change for some residents who say the intersection often causes traffic headaches.
“Something needs to be done,” said resident Nick Pedersen. “There’s way too much congestion at that intersection. It’s kind of a weird intersection as is.”
“There’s going to be a lot of congestion and a lot of confusion on which routes to take and it’s going to add time to everybody’s journeys, but in the end it’s progress,” said resident Joe Cryrek.
Parents say although the construction will impact commutes, the improved traffic flow is needed, especially with the nearby Northville Downs Redevelopment project bringing new townhomes to the area.
“I think the roundabout just keeps traffic moving, especially with the new build over there,” said resident Jim Tyner.
“It’s going to be some short-term pain, but I think it’s necessary to resolve this issue that’s not going away,” Pedersen said. “There’s going to be much more traffic once those townhomes are built, so I think overall it’s a good idea.”
The roundabout is expected to open to traffic in late November. Any remaining project work and site restoration will take place in spring 2026.