(WWJ) There's progress to report on the ongoing, long-term "Restore the Ruther" roadwork project.
"This is absolutely great news if you are a 696 driver," WWJ's Luke Sloan reports.
On Monday, Aug. 31, the westbound I-696 ramps to northbound and southbound I-75 will reopen after a six-month closure for repaving, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The ramps did not open in time for the morning commute. The latest estimated time from MDOT is around 3 p.m.
MDOT's Diane Cross said work to reopen the ramps did begin Monday morning, but it's a process.
"It is an operation of a type; it's gonna take many hours," Cross said. "Because we have to move barrier wall on westbound 696. We have to cover and uncover signs. We have to put down new pavement markings so drivers know where their lanes are."
Drivers should note that all eastbound lane of I-696, however, will remain closed in Oakland County for the next couple of months. (Details here).
Eddie, from Warren, says it's really been a nightmare trying to navigate this every day. "I gotta go home...traffic... two miles an-hour," he told Sloan. "You know, a long day at work and you gotta stay like another two hours in the traffic."
David Bailey said the ramp reopens will be a big relief to him.
"I live in Hazel Park, so everywhere I go that interferes with my driving," Bailey said, "because of all the overflow traffic and so forth, so... I'm definitely happy."
MDOT has yet to put a firm date on it, but said in recent updates that the eastbound freeway is expected to reopen "before the end of the year." Earlier, MDOT had estimated a November reopening.
Looking ahead into next year, there's more freeway work to come in this area. MDOT says both eastbound and westbound I-696 will be closed between I-75 and Dequindre Rd. for repaving in 2027.
For more details and updates on the Restore the Reuther project, visit this link.
