A $90.8 million construction project on I-75 in Oakland County is set to begin Monday, Aug. 15.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is calling the project "I-75 Modernization." The entire project isn't expected to be completed until 2030.
Monday is just the beginning. It's the first phase: Both directions of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and South Boulevard will be reconstructed.
The project includes:
- reconstructing pavement
- replacing bridges
- modernizing the Square Lake Road interchange
How traffic is affected:
- Starting Monday, two lanes will be open in each direction of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and Squirrel Road in order to safely allow crews to construct temporary crossovers.
- In September, two-way traffic will share the southbound lanes to allow for the reconstruction of northbound I-75, along with bridge replacement at Adams, Square Lake and Squirrel roads. This pattern is expected to remain in place until mid-December, when all lanes of I-75 will open and traffic will be in its proper alignment.
Modernization of the Square Lake Road interchange involves replacing the left lane ramps at northbound I-75, and will continue throughout the winter months, MDOT says. This activity will not impact traffic. Reconstruction of the southbound lanes and further work at the Square Lake interchange will resume in April 2017.
MODT first announced this project back in February, saying it would begin sometime this summer.
I-75 is Oakland County's main street. Half of the county's businesses and workforce are located along its corridor," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "Making these improvements will have a positive, long-term impact on our businesses and quality of life."
More details: 3-mile stretch of I-75 in Oakland County to be rebuilt this summer
View: Traffic Section
This map shows MDOT's plan to modernize I-75 through the year 2030.
While most drivers aren't happy to hear of the slow down, Brian Ingersoll's concerns stretch beyond the delays. He lives just off I-75 in Troy. He can see the express from his backyard.
"Starting tomorrow (at) 9 a.m., windows are going to be closed," he said.
As MDOT prepared for the construction, several trees blocking the highway were uprooted. Ingersoll said the noise level has increased tremendously.
"When we've had construction in the past, there's a lot of lights, a lot of construction vehicles parked along the side," Ingersoll said. "It's kind of disruptive to the household in general."
Ingersoll relies on I-75, but he, like most drivers, will look forward to the signs going away for good.
"It'll be interesting to see how it all turns out," he said.