Drivers navigating I-96 in Oakland County this week should brace for traffic delays, as lane closures are planned for road maintenance and upgrades. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the westbound side of the freeway from I-275 to Kent Lake Road will be restricted to a single lane from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning tomorrow and continuing through Friday. Then, starting 10 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday, the entire eastbound side of the freeway will shut down. The closures will permit the addition of lane markings and the installation of overhead signs.
In continuation of these disruptions, the stretch from Wixom Road to Novi Road on eastbound I-96 will remain inaccessible until 3 p.m. Saturday, enduring a total closure. The ramps from Wixom and Novi roads to eastbound I-96 will also be closed, suggesting a detour via Wixom Road to Grand River Avenue to northbound Novi and back to eastbound I-96 for drivers, reported by Fox 2 Detroit.
Adjusting to changing weather conditions, which has delayed the schedule originally to commence Monday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) states the one-lane westbound situation will now start Wednesday, extending through Friday. Influenced by the weather, and as outlined by MDOT, scheduled shifts and closures are subject to further changes.
MDOT additionally noted that several ramps would remain closed through early November, including the northbound M-5 ramp to westbound I-96 and various ramps for Novi and Beck roads, along with the westbound I-96 ramps to Milford Road. Eagerly awaiting the completion of these maintenance endeavors, both directions between Kent Lake Road and I-275 are expected to reopen to three lanes by November. Moreover, work on the shoulders, flex lanes, and ramp meters/signals is set to carry on, with a forecast for operational status by early 2025, as detailed by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The ongoing I-96 Flex Route project is part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program, which aims to reconstruct key state highways and bridges. A $269 million investment, this project is anticipated to both directly and indirectly support approximately 3,416 jobs, contributing positively to the state's economy and the longevity of its infrastructure.
