(WWJ) Drivers take note: The start to a much-anticipated long-term freeway closure in Oakland County has been delayed, but just by a couple of days.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says the closure of eastbound I-696 from Lahser to I-75 has been postponed until Monday, March 3, at 9 a.m., due to colder than anticipated weather. (The freeway was supposed to close at noon on Saturday, with prep work beginning at 7 a.m.)
During the next phase of the "Restore the Reuther" project, eastbound I-696 will be completely closed from Lahser Road in Southfield to I-75 in Royal Oak, according to MDOT.
MDOT spokeswoman Diane Cross said the eastbound closure is necessary to allow for much-needed work on 696, including pavement upgrades, 60 bridge repairs, a plaza reconstruction, and updates to 1,100 drainage structures..
Cross said westbound traffic will be maintained while eastbound and westbound I-696 are rebuilt between Lahser Road and I-75. However, eastbound traffic will be detoured for two years via southbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway), eastbound M-8 (Davison Highway), and northbound I-75 back to eastbound I-696.
As it's expected that many drivers won't use the official detour, the closure promises to bring traffic congestion all throughout the area — including on the mile roads.
Communities affected include Ferndale, Hazel Park, Hunting Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield and Warren.
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