(WWJ) Drivers who depend on westbound I-696 should take note:
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a full weekend closure starting Friday night, as crews work to shift traffic back onto the newly reconstructed freeway lanes between I-75 and M-10 (the Lodge Freeway).
The temporary shutdown is part of the ongoing "Restore the Reuther" project, marking a major milestone in the multi-year effort to rebuild the corridor.
Weekend closure & detour details
Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, Westbound I-696 will close completely from I-75 to M-10, including all entrance and exit ramps along the stretch. The freeway is scheduled to reopen in time for the Monday morning commute at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12.
- The Detour: Westbound traffic will be routed southbound on I-75, westbound on M-8 (Davison Freeway), and northbound on M-10 (Lodge Freeway) back to I-696.
Once Westbound I-696 reopens Monday morning, all exit and entrance ramps through the corridor will return to service—with one exception. The westbound exit ramp to M-1 (Woodward Avenue) will remain closed through Saturday, Oct. 17, to allow crews to complete resurfacing work on the Westbound 10 Mile Service Drive. The entrance ramp from Woodward Avenue to Westbound I-696 will be open.
Eastbound I-696 remains closed
While westbound drivers get their reconstructed lanes back on Monday, Eastbound I-696 remains closed and detoured while crossover work is completed.
MDOT had previously estimated a November reopening for the eastbound lanes. In recent updates, MDOT pushed the estimated timeline back slightly, stating that the eastbound freeway is now expected to reopen "before the end of the year."
No reason was given.
There is no exact reopening date at this time. WWJ will keep you posted.
Looking ahead: More work scheduled for 2027
Roadwork in the corridor won't wrap up completely once the eastbound freeway reopens this winter.
MDOT announced that additional repaving work is slated for 2027 along both eastbound and westbound I-696 between I-75 and Dequindre Road. Unlike current closures, MDOT plans to keep the freeway open to traffic while that project is underway. More details on that are forthcoming.
For real-time updates and project information, visit DrivingOakland.com or check active MDOT construction zones at Michigan.gov/drive.
