Construction crews will soon start working on the long stretch of highway east of I-275 that connects Detroit with outlying areas. Officials say the highway will be closed for six months. The project was originally scheduled to get underway in January, but weather delayed the start.
The freeway will be closed starting tomorrow at 7 a.m. Ramps will begin to close tonight starting at 7 p.m.
Transportation officials have put together a website to inform motorists, and they have been counting down the days on their Twitter handle:
Da Da Da Daaaaaaa!!! .... 1 DAY TO CLOSURE: No more needs to be said. Review information on this page and... http://t.co/7grzwtF6Qb
— 96fix (@96Fix) April 4, 2014
More about the $148 million project from their website:
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reconstructing a 7-mile stretch of I-96 from Newburgh Road in the city of Livonia to Telegraph Road in Redford Township. It will require complete closure of the interstate ... Work includes reconstructing the road and repairing 37 bridges, including on and off ramps. The project will bring the corridor to current design standards and improve safety. Clearances at the 37 bridges/overpasses also will be increased to improve safety.
Go here for more information about other major construction projects around the state.
*A previous post reflected the estimated closure time listed on MDOT's website - 7-12 months. An MDOT official said they expect the highway to be closed 6 months. The post is now updated.
