I-94 CLOSED in both directions for bridge work in Detroit this weekend — What to know

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit-area drivers should take note of a major freeway closer that's expected to cause some traffic backups this weekend.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) says installing bridge foundations and a traffic shift will require closing I-94 between M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and I-75 starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8.

Westbound I-94 traffic will be detoured via southbound I-75 and westbound I-96 back to westbound I-94. Eastbound traffic will be detoured via eastbound I-96 and northbound I-75 back to eastbound I-94. One lane will remain open on eastbound I-94 to M-10 for local traffic.

All entrance ramps to eastbound I-94 from 30th Street to M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and westbound I-94 from Mt. Elliott to Linwood streets will be closed by 7 p.m. Friday and will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11.

This work, MDOT says, is part of an ongoing project to replace the Cass Avenue overpass above I-94.

Ramps that will remain closed after the weekend closure include:

- Northbound and southbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway) to eastbound I-94,

- Westbound I-94 to northbound and southbound M-10,

- The John R. Road entrance ramp to westbound I-94 and,

- The eastbound I-94 exit to John R/Woodward Avenue.

All of this is weather-permitting.

Upon reopening Monday morning, MDOT says eastbound and westbound I-94 will have three lanes open with traffic shifted toward the outside shoulder to accommodate the bridge support work.

MDOT said the new overpass will replace the original structure built in 1955. All work on this $12.5 million investment is scheduled to be completed in mid-2024.

Don't get stuck in a jam! Stay tuned to WWJ AM 950 for traffic and construction updates, every 10 minutes on the 8s. Before you leave the house, ask Alexa to "play WWJ nine-fifty" or listen on the Audacy app.