News Summary
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced that all lanes of I-696 are now open to traffic after a significant four-year construction project. This $275 million initiative aimed to upgrade the highway between Interstate 275 and Lahser Road, greatly benefitting the approximately 160,000 daily commuters. Despite the reopening, minor construction work will continue until 2024, with further improvements planned for 2025. This project is expected to create over 3,000 jobs, providing a boost to local employment while enhancing road safety and conditions for motorists.
All Lanes Now Open on I-696!
Great news for commuters and travelers in Oakland County! As of this past Wednesday, all eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 696, stretching from Interstate 275 to Lahser Road, are back open to traffic. After months of construction and a lot of anticipation, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has completed a significant milestone in the I-696 Restore the Reuther project.
A Look Back at the Construction
This ginormous construction project kicked off in 2023 with a hefty price tag of $275 million and is expected to continue making improvements until 2024. What exactly was involved in this massive undertaking? Essentially, the roadway was rebuilt from the ground up! This wasn’t just a simple patch-up job. The project required replacing outdated storm sewers, ensuring that water runoff would be handled efficiently – a crucial factor for road safety and longevity.
But that’s not all! The ramps at major crossings like Orchard Lake Road, American Drive, Franklin Road, and US-24 (Telegraph Road) also received a facelift. So, if those routes were part of your daily commute, get ready for a smoother ride.
The Daily Commute Gets a Boost
For the countless motorists who rely on this section of I-696, the reopening is a breath of fresh air. On average, around 160,000 drivers travel this route daily. That’s a significant chunk of folks who will now benefit from the improved road conditions. MDOT knows just how crucial this route is for daily commuters and is excited about the reopening, especially considering the impact this construction has had on people’s schedules.
Even though all lanes are back in action, drivers should keep their eyes peeled for MDOT’s signature orange barrels. These bright markers will remain until the end of 2024 for ongoing signage and minor punch list work. This means don’t ditch your patience just yet; there may still be slowdowns from time to time!
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
The work on I-696 doesn’t stop here. Crews are expected to return in spring or summer of 2025 for the final touches, which will include pavement markings and some landscaping. But good news: these final tasks won’t necessitate significant lane closures, so the impact on drivers should be minimal.
In total, the Restore the Reuther project is set to create approximately 3,329 jobs, providing a strong boost not just to our roads but also to the local economy as workers are engaged directly and indirectly in the project.
Also on the horizon is another construction endeavor on I-696, this time between Lahser Road and Interstate 75, slated to begin in early 2025. Buckle up – this project is expected to last around three years!
MDOT’s initiative on I-696 is part of a larger strategy, with over 100 road projects slated across Metro Detroit in the upcoming year. Funded through Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program, this focus on improving our state highways and bridges is a vital step toward ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all.
So, whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or just someone who occasionally hops on I-696, you can breathe a little easier knowing that smoother rides lie ahead. Happy driving!
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