News Summary
Beginning May 9, westbound I-696 between I-75 and M-10 will be closed for 10 days for the demolition of the Church Street plaza bridge. This project will impact around 100,000 drivers daily, prompting officials to recommend alternative routes. The construction is part of a $275 million project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow in the region, with additional work scheduled for the eastbound lanes. Motorists should plan ahead to avoid disruptions during this significant construction period.
Oakland County to Experience Major Road Closures on I-696
Oakland County, MI – Starting Friday evening, May 9, westbound I-696 will be completely shut down between I-75 and M-10 for a duration of 10 days to facilitate the demolition of the Church Street plaza bridge. This significant construction effort is expected to impact around 100,000 drivers daily.
Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternative routes during this period, as several entrance ramps to westbound I-696 will also be closed, including those at I-75, Campbell Road, Woodward Avenue, Greenfield Road, Southfield Road, and Evergreen Road. For drivers heading westbound, a designated detour route has been established: exit at I-75 (Exit 18) to southbound I-75, then westbound Davison Freeway (M-8), followed by northbound M-10 before rejoining I-696.
Details of the Demolition Work
The demolition work involves the removal of 170 concrete beams and extensive debris cleanup, a process that is expected to enhance traffic flow and safety in the long term. Once the initial 10-day closure concludes on May 19, two westbound lanes between Southfield Road and Lahser Road will remain available until the end of July for further bridge work.
Following the completion of westbound demolition, crews will begin work on the eastbound side of the Church Street plaza bridge on May 20, which is anticipated to last for an additional 10 days. The eastbound side is already closed to facilitate these operations.
Impact on Local Communities
This construction project affects several communities including Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Warren. The ongoing work is a crucial part of the larger “Restore the Reuther” project, aimed at reconstructing the eastbound lanes of I-696 between Lahser Road and I-75. This project carries an estimated budget of $275 million and encompasses various rehabilitation efforts throughout the entire construction area.
Additionally, similar construction work is slated for the westbound highway in 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to improving highway infrastructure and safety throughout the region.
Job and Economic Implications
This major effort to enhance Michigan’s roadways is also designed to support numerous jobs within the local economy. As construction progresses, weather conditions will play a significant role in the timing and effectiveness of the work undertaken.
Updates and Resources
For those commuting through affected areas, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has provided an online map and construction list for ongoing updates. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed to minimize inconvenience during this significant phase of roadway improvement.
In summary, from May 9 to May 19, westbound I-696 will be closed completely between I-75 and M-10 for bridge demolition, with alternate routes and ramp closures already set to accompany the process. Local authorities advise all drivers to plan ahead to avoid disruptions in their travel during this crucial construction period.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MLive: Busy Highway Stretch Closure
- ClickOnDetroit: I-696 Construction Schedule
- Detroit Free Press: I-696 Construction Details
- WXYZ: I-696 Construction Overview
- Detroit News: MDOT Lane Closures
- Wikipedia: I-696 (Michigan)
- Google Search: I-696 construction Michigan
- Google Scholar: I-696 construction impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway Construction
- Google News: I-696 construction Michigan
