WIXOM (WWJ) – The I-96 Flex Route project that’s set to transform the freeway in the western part of Metro Detroit has moved to its next phase.
Beginning Tuesday morning – and lasting until late fall – eastbound I-96 is reduced to just two lanes just before Kent Lake Road, and then shifts across the median to the westbound lanes.
The traffic shift is in place between Kent Lake and Wixom Road, with two lanes open in each direction.
As part of the long-term traffic shift, the following ramps will be closed until late fall:
• The northbound and southbound Kent Lake Road ramps to eastbound I-96,
• The eastbound I-96 exit to Milford Road,
• The northbound and southbound Milford Road ramps to eastbound I-96, and
• The eastbound I-96 exit to Wixom Road.
MDOT says westbound I-96 will continue to have two lanes open from Wixom to Kent Lake, with all on and off ramps open.
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The I-96 Flex Route project, estimated to cost $269 million, will see 12 miles of the freeway rebuilt between Kent Lake and the I-96/I-275/M-5 Interchange.
When the project is completed, an extra lane of traffic will be available along I-96, and metered traffic lights will help control the traffic entering the freeway.
MDOT says the part-time flex lane will be open at certain points of the day, including during rush hour and in the case of a crash that’s causing backups. The project, expected to take three years to complete, will widen the shoulders and median to make room for the flex lane, which is designed to allow traffic to flow more smoothly.
More information on the I-96 Flex Route project can be found on drivingoakland.org.