OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Part of I-696 has been shut down for two years, as of 9 a.m. Monday, so MDOT can complete major work on the road.
Local 4’s Pamela Osborne spoke with Craig Bryson, senior communications manager for the Road Commission for Oakland County. Bryson said that drivers should rethink using the “mile roads” to get around the closure and stick to the official detour.
“MDOT’S official detour is long and a big drive, but that might be the path of least resistance,” Bryson said.
MDOT public information officer Diane Cross said drivers should expect congestion during the Monday morning commute. Anyone who uses any eastbound road in Oakland County will likely see heavier traffic. Cross advised drivers to leave early and explore alternative routes as they adjust to changes.
---> Read: Why drivers might want to rethink using ‘mile roads’ to avoid 2-year I-696 closure
What time will the I-696 closure begin?
At 9 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, crews will begin performing pavement markings, ramp closures, lane closures, and more. Eastbound I-696 is expected to be fully closed by Monday afternoon.
How much of EB I-696 will be closed?
Eastbound I-696 will be closed from M-10 (Lodge Freeway/Northwestern Highway) to I-75. Click here to view MDOT’s map of the closure.
When will EB I-696 reopen?
Eastbound I-696 is expected to reopen in the fall of 2026.
Where will traffic be detoured?
Westbound traffic will be maintained while eastbound and westbound I-696 are rebuilt between Lahser Road and I-75. Eastbound traffic will be detoured via southbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway), eastbound M-8 (Davison Highway) and northbound I-75 back to eastbound I-696.
Which ramps will be closed?
The following ramp closures and restrictions begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, and end in the fall of 2026:
| Road | Ramp | Type |
|---|---|---|
| M-10 (Lodge Freeway) | SB M-10 (Northwestern Hwy) to I-696 | Two lanes open |
| M-10 (Lodge Freeway) | SB M-10 ramp to SB US-24 | Closed |
| M-10 (Lodge Freeway) | SB M-10 ramp to EB I-696 | Closed |
| US-24 (Telegraph) | NB US-24 to EB I-696 | Closed |
| US-24 (Telegraph) | SB US-24 to SB M-10 | Closed |
| Lahser | NB / SB Lahser to EB I-696 | Closed |
| Evergreen | EB I-696 to Evergreen | Closed |
| Evergreen | Evergreen to EB I-696 | Closed |
| Southfield | EB I-696 to Southfield | Closed |
| Southfield | Southfield to EB I-696 | Closed |
| Greenfield | EB I-696 to Greenfield | Closed |
| Greenfield | Evergreen to EB I-696 | Closed |
| Coolidge | Coolidge to WB I-696 | Closed |
| Coolidge | EB I-696 to Coolidge | Closed |
| Coolidge | Coolidge to EB I-696 | Closed |
| M-1 (Woodward) | EB I-696 to Woodward | Closed |
| M-1 (Woodward) | Woodward to EB I-696 | Closed |
| Campbell/Hilton | EB I-696 to Campbell/Hilton | Closed |
| Campbell/Hilton | Campbell/Hilton to EB I-696 | Closed |
| I-75 | EB I-696 to NB / SB I-75 | Closed |
What will be completed during the project?
This is the second and final phase of MDOT’s Restore the Reuther project on I-696.
The project involves rebuilding I-696 in 2025-2026, while in 2027, I-696 will have major road work done between I-75 and Dequindre Road. Work includes rebuilding the roadway, bridge work, and drainage structures.
MDOT said that 60 bridges will be repaired, including the rebuilding of the Church Street Plaza bridge that contains Victoria Park. During that rebuilding, a walkway detour will be in place.
In 2026, westbound I-696 will be rebuilt from I-75 to Lahser Road.
Updates on the project can be found at drivingoakland.com/I696-East/.
