The northbound lanes of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and South Boulevard in Oakland County are set to reopen ahead of schedule.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced Thursday all lanes of the northbound side of I-75 will open Friday, 20 days ahead of the construction project schedule. The southbound lanes of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and South Boulevard opened Thursday morning.
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MDOT said this marks another milestone on the final stage of construction for segment one of the I-75 modernization project in Oakland County. This section of construction is estimated to cost about $91.8 million. it includes operational improvements to the Square Lake Road interchange.
It's the first phase of a larger plan to rebuild more than 17 miles of I-75 between South Boulevard and M-102 (Eight Mile Road). This massive project is not expected to be completed until 2030.
Details from MDOT:
In addition to rebuilding the freeway lanes, the project involved realigning a section of I-75 to allow for replacing outdated left-lane ramps to and from northbound I-75 and Square Lake Road to safer right-lane movements. This investment also included replacing eight bridges, rebuilding ramps at the I-75/Adams Road interchange, incorporating drainage improvements, and community-developed aesthetic treatments.
Motorists are reminded that opening to traffic differs from project completion. After Labor Day weekend, crews will return to expand and improve the Adams Road carpool lot and install permanent pavement markings on freeway lanes. The pavement marking installation will occur during non-peak hours on a yet to be determined weekend. All lanes and ramps are expected to remain open during weekdays.
In spring 2018, tree planting will commence to replace and add trees that were removed to accommodate the freeway realignment, as well as ditch rebuilding for better freeway drainage. All trees that were 6 inches in diameter will be replaced with either two or three for every one that was removed.
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