Oakland County first responders are sounding the alarm on what they describe as a "public safety crisis" along a 15-mile stretch of I-75. The trouble zone, caused by a $160 million MDOT infrastructure project between Grand Blanc and Independence Township, has seen multiple serious collisions, including a recent fatality, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
After a recent incident where a man was struck and killed after exiting his vehicle on the freeway, Lt. Mike Shaw of Michigan State Police expressed his concern, telling CBS News Detroit, "Last night, we had a driver who got out of their vehicle and stood in the left lane of I-75 to assess the damage. Unfortunately, that driver was struck and killed by another that did not see them." Amid the ongoing construction, first responders have found that to adequately reach those in need is proving increasingly challenging due to the limited shoulder space and the rerouted traffic.
Addressing the dire situation, Springfield Township Fire Chief Matt Covey indicated that even a minor traffic incident can spell disaster in the construction zone. According to ClickOnDetroit, Covey stated, "Even a small fender bender is a disaster waiting to happen." Consequences of the construction have extended beyond the highway itself, as drivers seek alternate routes, congesting local roads and creating additional hazards.
The response from MDOT, as FOX 2 Detroit reports, involves considering four-way stops at the I-75 and Grange Hall interchange ramps, coordinating with GPS navigation providers to only show approved detours and making temporary traffic control adjustments to M-15.
"MDOT is committed to work zone safety for everyone," MDOT stated, outlining measures they've taken, including creating pull-offs and improving signage to better guide traffic, as per reports by ClickOnDetroit.
As a part of their plea for safety, fire chiefs have urged drivers to avoid this section of I-75 whenever possible and to remain in the vehicle and call 911 if involved in a crash, provided it is safe to do so. "Listen to us. Slow down. Drive smart," Covey emphasized in a warning shared by ClickOnDetroit.
