TROY (WWJ) - They'll have to redo a portion of the I-75 modernization project in Oakland County, due to a paving mistake.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says crews used an incorrect concrete mix on portions of the new freeway in Madison Heights and Troy, and will have to replace it before all paving is completed in 2020.
The wrong concrete was poured on the left two lanes of northbound I-75 from 13 1/2 Mile to 14 Mile roads, and the shoulders on the exit ramps to Big Beaver Rd. (16 Mile) and Rochester Rd.
Paving crews have already replaced some of the concrete, according to MDOT.
"This is inspectors doing their jobs," said MDOT Metro Region Engineer Kimberly Avery. "The pavement designated for replacement is safe for drivers to use, but the long-term durability is compromised and the reason for our actions."
Currently, both directions of I-75 are sharing the southbound side of the freeway, separated by a temporary concrete barrier between 13 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway. Two lanes are open in each direction. In 2020, both directions of I-75 will be sharing the new northbound pavement in order to allow crews to rebuild the southbound lanes between Coolidge Highway and 13 Mile Road
In all, the $224 million I-75 project involves reconstructing more than 8 miles of pavement in each direction, improving 18 structures, upgrading drainage, constructing community-developed aesthetics and federally approved noise walls, and continuing construction of an additional travel lane between Coolidge and 13 Mile.
The project is still expected to be completed late next year.