Motorists in Metro Detroit are bracing for traffic disruptions as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) moves forward with repairs on a sinkhole on I-96 at M-39. In what is set to significantly affect commute times, lane closures began Monday morning and are expected to last until early March, as reported by CBS News Detroit. The closures include the eastbound I-96 local lanes at M-39, the eastbound I-96 express ramp to the I-96 local at M-39, and the eastbound I-96 local from U.S. 24/Telegraph Road.
The ongoing need to ensure the safety and structural integrity of this stretch of highway has led MDOT to also close the northbound M-39 ramp to the eastbound I-96 local lanes, allowing only southbound M-39 access to eastbound I-96 express lanes, according to details from FOX 2 Detroit. These restrictions are aimed at giving workers and equipment the necessary space to quickly carry out repairs.
Daily travel is already affected by the closures. Detroiter Teddy Kivel told WXYZ, “I mean, it’s definitely inconvenient, but it’s also something I gotta do because we still gotta work.” Lamar Ashford from Ypsilanti echoed the sentiment, noting the work is necessary to address the danger of the sinkhole.
Residents acknowledge the inconvenience but agree the work is necessary for safety. Teddy Kivel told WXYZ, It’s very inconvenient because people have to adjust their routines to get where they need to go. Detours are in place, with eastbound I-96 local lanes accessible from Greenfield Road. MDOT expects all lanes and ramps to reopen by early spring.
