As Oakland County braces for the significant reconstruction of Interstate 696, Michigan drivers need to prepare for the long haul—literally. Starting this weekend, westbound I-696 will shut down between I-75 and Telegraph Road as part of a project that isn't slated to finish until fall 2026. "A lot of preparation has to happen this weekend to push traffic to the other side," MDOT spokesperson Brian Travis detailed in a statement obtained by Click on Detroit. With around 100,000 drivers affected, alternative routes will become essential to navigate the anticipated disruptions.
Beginning early Saturday, MDOT's plans involve a complete shift of westbound travelers to the newly constructed eastbound side by early Monday, as per Click on Detroit. The traffic shifts may cause significant confusion and delays, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area. "Drivers will have plenty of warning, but if you miss the westbound entrance, you’ll have to exit at I-75 and re-enter at a different point," Travis said, hinting at potential bottlenecks.
The construction's scope extends to the closure of several ramps, such as those at Coolidge Highway and Greenfield Road, while retaining access to others, such as I-75, Woodward Avenue, and Telegraph Road, according to The Detroit News. In 2027, more work will begin on I-696 from I-75 to Dequindre Road, including bridge improvements and drainage structures. MDOT's Diane Cross noted, "We're going to have heavier traffic at Woodward and Southfield, because those are the only parts where you can get on and off. And so that's going to be frustrating until people figure it out."
Local businesses are already feeling the pinch from the construction. "Business is down big time… I would say at least 30 to 40 percent," Sahara Restaurant manager Rafi Rahmn told WXYZ, expressing concern about how the ramp closures will impact patron access. Meanwhile, locals like Aaron Smith, who uses I-696 for his daily commute, lament the extra time the construction is costing them: "I basically forfeit 40 minutes instead of the seven minutes just to get home." His sentiment echoes across the community as they prepare for more challenging commutes and reduced accessibility, according to interviews by WXYZ.
