Westbound I-696 To Close Friday For Summer

METRO DETROIT, MI — A $90 million construction project that will shut down westbound I-696 between I-94 and I-75 is getting underway, MDOT announced Friday, impacting commuters traveling through Macomb and Oakland counties. The stretch of the interstate will be closed to traffic beginning 9 p.m. Friday, April 27 and will start with closing eastbound and westbound I-94 ramps to westbound I-696.

MDOT is investing $90 million for the project called the "Restore the Reuther.” That stretch of roadway carries approximately 150,000 vehicles a day, MDOT said. The entire project will last until November.

Macomb County
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, MDOT said.

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

Oakland County
In Oakland County, $12 million will be invested to perform major maintenance, with pavement and joint repairs and drainage improvements. 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 a project map, click here. For additional project details, go to www.MovingMacomb.org, which will also provide updates on lane restrictions and access to businesses affected by construction.

Screenshot via MDOT