I-696 Construction To Begin Friday (We Are Screwed)

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced that I-696 will close for the massive Moving Macomb construction project on Friday, April 27 starting at 9p. This project is expected to last until November 2018.

COMMUNITIES AFFECTED:

Roseville, Warren, Center Line, and Madison Heights

CLOSURE:

Crews will begin implementing westbound I-696 closures at 9 p.m. Friday, April 27, starting with closing the eastbound and westbound I-94 ramps to westbound I-696

The closure of all access points/ramps is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Saturday, April 28.

PROJECT DETAILS:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $90 million to "Restore the Reuther" in Macomb and Oakland counties, which carries approximately 150,000 vehicles a day. (The winning bid was lower than the original estimate of $110 million.)

In Macomb County, $78 million will be invested to remove and replace all the concrete on both eastbound and westbound I-696 from I-94 to I-75. Only westbound I-696 will be closed (from I-94 to I-75), with traffic detoured throughout the entire project. Eastbound I-696 traffic will always have access, although traffic will be shifted throughout the project. The closing of one direction of the freeway will provide a safer work zone for construction crews and drivers.

In Oakland County, $12 million will be invested to perform major maintenance, with pavement and joint repairs and drainage improvements.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

To provide a freeway-to-freeway detour, the suggested detour for the westbound I-696 closure in Macomb County is westbound I-94 to northbound I-75 to westbound I-696.

The work in Oakland County will be performed during overnights and weekends, including 10 weekend closures. The freeway will remain open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For additional project details, go to www.MovingMacomb.org, which will also provide updates on lane restrictions and access to businesses affected by construction.


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