Reconstruction of I-696 between I-75 and M-10 reaches halfway point; MDOT to close some ramps

By Anne Snabes, MediaNews Group

A large challenge to reconstruct an eight-mile stretch of Interstate 696 in southeastern Oakland County is reaching its midway level, and on Monday westbound site visitors will shift to the newly constructed eastbound lanes between M-10 and I-75, state transportation officers stated.

Eastbound site visitors on I-696 between M-10 and Interstate 75 has been closed since March as a part of a two-year challenge to reconstruct that part of the freeway.

“A yr from now we must be near reopening 696 between M-10 and 75,” stated Diane Cross, spokesperson for the Michigan Division of Transportation.

Cross stated the complete reopening of 696 in each instructions will happen in late 2026, probably in November. The closure is a part of the second part of MDOT’s $275 million “Restore the Reuther” challenge.

Starting early Monday morning by way of the top of 2026, three lanes can be open to westbound site visitors on 696 from I-75 to Lahser Highway, utilizing the newly constructed eastbound lanes. By altering lanes, crews can rebuild the westbound lanes.

Drivers also needs to pay attention to the restricted entrances and exits alongside the challenge route. The entrances and exits are solely open on I-75; Woodward Avenue; Southfield Highway; US-24, or Telegraph Highway; and M-10/Lahser Highway.

Cross stated the company utterly closed the freeway between I-75 and Lahser Highway this weekend, permitting motorists on that stretch to take westbound I-696 for longer.

Different ramps alongside 696 within the challenge space will stay closed till the top of 2026. This consists of the ramps at Couzens Avenue, Bermuda/Hilton Highway, Coolidge Freeway, Greenfield Highway and Evergreen Highway. MDOT is limiting entrances and exits on I-696 because it rebuilds the western facet of the freeway.

Cross stated many motorists who wish to use the closed ramps “can be omitted” as a result of they will not be capable to get on or off I-696.

“And so we’ll have a giant domino impact for a number of weeks,” she stated. “We will have heavier site visitors in Woodward and Southfield as a result of these are the one components the place you will get on and off. And in order that’s going to be irritating till individuals determine it out.”

The second part of the “Restore the Reuther” challenge additionally consists of main repairs to I-696 between I-75 and Dequindre Highway. Cross stated MDOT will do this work in 2027.