I-696 Lanes Close Friday Until November

WARREN, MI — Construction is beginning on I-696 and starting at 9 p.m. Friday, westbound lanes between I-75 and I-94 will be closed down as crews work to revamp the road. The closure of all access points/ramps is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Saturday.

Here’s what you need to know about the closure:

What’s being done
According to MDOT, the I-696 freeway carries approximately 150,000 vehicles a day through Macomb and Oakland counties. The section in Macomb County is in very poor condition and the concrete will be replaced. The section in Oakland County has areas that need pavement repair and major maintenance.

The project is a $110 million investment, MDOT said.

How it will impact drivers
In Macomb County, eastbound I-696 will remain open from I-75 to I-94 while the westbound lanes will be closed from I-94 to I-75 for the entire project. The closing of one direction of the freeway will provide a safer work zone for construction crews and drivers, MDOT said.

How to get around it
The suggested detour for the westbound I-696 closure is westbound I-94 to northbound I-75 to westbound I-696. Eastbound I-94 traffic will also be detoured via northbound I-75 to westbound I-696.

In Oakland County, the freeway will remain open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with work being performed during overnights and weekends, including 10 weekends with freeway closures.

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