For the second phase of Macomb County's "Restore the Reuther" project, eastbound lanes on I-696 will be shifted to the newly rebuilt westbound lanes, however, westbound traffic will remain detoured during this process.
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The traffic shift, including ramp closures, will begin the week of Aug. 19. The exact start date for construction will be released by MDOT shortly. The shift will allow for the eastbound I-696 lanes to be rebuilt during this process.
During this phase of the road construction project, all entrance ramps will be closed in Macomb County and exit ramps will be limited to Dequindre Road, Mound Road and Groesbeck Highway, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The Traffic Impact, according to MDOT:
Initially, crews will reduce eastbound I-696 traffic to one lane from M-1 (Woodward Avenue) to Dequindre Road to perform preparation work for shifting traffic across the median to the newly rebuilt westbound lanes. This work includes paint striping, moving barrier walls, and ramp closures. The work is expected to begin approximately 7:30 p.m. and be reopened with three lanes by the following morning before rush hour. During this preparation work, the northbound and southbound I-75 ramps to eastbound I-696 will be closed and will reopen when completed.
Once eastbound I-696 traffic is shifted, the exit ramps to Dequindre Road, Mound Road, and Groesbeck Highway will be the only exits available. All entrance ramps to eastbound I-696 will be closed through the end of the project.
In Oakland County, the freeway will remain open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will not be any work or closures performed this weekend but overnight work will resume Sunday evening in preparation for the weekend closure of eastbound I-696 from US-24 to I-75 the weekend of Aug. 24-27.
For additional project details, go to www.MovingMacomb.org, which will also provide updates on lane restrictions and access to businesses affected by construction.
For an interactive map of the project location, click here.
