News Summary
This summer, Metro Detroit drivers will face significant disruptions due to multiple highway construction projects expected to affect daily commutes for around 100,000 motorists. The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising planning for additional travel time and keeping track of construction updates. Key projects include a $160-million resurfacing of Interstate 75, a $140-million rebuilding of the I-275 ramp to I-96, and a $260-million initiative on I-696 which will stretch into 2027. Motorists are urged to stay informed for effective commuting amidst the disruptions.
Detroit, MI — Metro Detroit is bracing for significant traffic disruptions this summer, as three major highway construction projects and several smaller ones commence, affecting the daily commute of approximately 100,000 drivers. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging motorists to allow for extra travel time and check construction updates using their preferred map applications.
This construction season runs primarily from April to November, and this year, extensive projects are underway that promise to reshape major thoroughfares in the region. The ongoing challenges of navigation on the roads come as MDOT aims to enhance infrastructure and improve safety across the highway network.
One of the most critical projects currently in progress involves a $160-million resurfacing and repair initiative on Interstate 75, stretching from M-15 to the Oakland/Genesee county line. As a result of this work, various exit and entrance ramps will be closed, including those at East Holly Road and Grange Hall Road, on both the northbound and southbound sides of US-24. This project is projected to create approximately 1,936 jobs and is scheduled to continue until late fall.
Further complicating matters, the northbound I-275 ramp to eastbound I-96 will be closed until late June as part of a $140-million rebuilding project that targets the M-14/I-96 corridor in Livonia and Plymouth Township. This project is substantial, expected to facilitate about 1,336 jobs and will be executed in multiple phases over several construction seasons.
Additionally, an extensive $260-million project is ongoing on eastbound I-696, which is expected to continue until 2027. This endeavor has led to the closure of the highway from M-10 to I-75. Significant closures will occur as crews begin demolition on the Church Street plaza bridge, starting May 9, where westbound I-696 will be completely closed between I-75 and the Lodge Freeway for ten days, reopening on May 19. Post-demolition, two lanes will remain open on westbound I-696 between Southfield and Lahser roads until late July, further impacting traffic flow.
In a related construction effort, MDOT is engaged in reconstructing both sides of I-696 from Lahser to I-75. This includes essential repairs such as wall and drainage improvements, as well as the rehabilitation of 60 bridges, with a completion target of 2027.
The congestion is not limited to the aforementioned highways. A significant closure of I-94 in Detroit is planned for April 11 to April 14 to allow for the demolition of the McClellan Avenue overpass bridge. This closure will impact traffic in both directions between I-75 and M-3, necessitating detours and adjustments for local drivers. During this period, all entrance ramps to westbound I-94 from Cadieux Road to M-3 and eastbound ramps from West Grand Boulevard to M-53 will also be inaccessible.
Overall, as drivers navigate through these ongoing projects and closures, MDOT emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to avoid potential delays. The sheer volume of construction work this summer is expected to yield long-term benefits for the area’s infrastructure while presenting immediate challenges for daily commuters.
Motorists are advised to stay informed and adapt their travel plans in response to these significant construction endeavors across the area, ensuring that they manage their commutes effectively amid the anticipated disruptions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Construction Coming to Wayne County’s Interstate 94
Community Joins Forces for Historic Renovation Efforts
Michigan Governor Proposes Tax Increases for Road Repairs
Infrastructure Overhaul Planned for M-14 and I-96 in Livonia and Plymouth
Major Reconstruction of Eastbound I-696 Set to Begin
Multi-Car Crash Causes Major Disruption on I-96 in Wayne County
Major Infrastructure Developments Transforming Metro Detroit
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit Summer Road Construction Projects
- WXYZ: Construction Begins to Rebuild M-14/I-96
- Macomb Daily: Road Watch in Metro Detroit
- Fox 2 Detroit: I-696 Closure for 10 Days
- CBS News: I-696 Construction Project in Metro Detroit
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Google Search: Detroit construction projects
- Google Scholar: Michigan Department of Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road
- Google News: Detroit road construction
