OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The construction on I-696 in Oakland County is on track, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). However, a new phase will affect the exit and entrance ramps along westbound I-696.
Around 100,000 drivers traveling eastbound were diverted earlier this year. Now, it’s time for around 100,000 westbound drivers to be diverted.
Westbound I-696 ramp closures will be a new issue, but first, we have to get through the weekend.
“If you’re going to come through the weekend, you’ll be forced northbound/southbound 75,” said Diane Cross from MDOT.
If the weather cooperates, drivers will soon face new challenges on I-696 in Oakland County.
“On Friday night, we close all on-ramps on westbound 696 from 75 to M-10. Then on Saturday morning, we close the freeway at I-75, westbound 696 will be closed at 75, and that’s when we start doing the work of shifting in the barrier,” said Cross.
When that’s finished, starting Sunday night or Monday morning, westbound I-696 traffic will be shifted to the newly built eastbound side.
“Everybody is going to notice a difference; it’s going to feel good under the tires, but the problem is we’re only going to let you get off on two locations: Woodward and Southfield Road,” Cross said.
Ramp closures
So here’s where it gets tricky.
Besides Woodward and Southfield, all westbound ramps, including Campbell-Hilton, Coolidge, Greenfield and Evergreen will be closed.
“The real impact effect to drivers will be they won’t be able to exit and enter on the ramps they’re used to, which means there will be a lot do break-tapping, it can start a domino effect, more likely to get rear-end crashes,” said Cross.
“It makes it more difficult because you have to take alternate routes, but ultimately the construction will be worth it, and it will be more efficient in the end,” said one driver.
The ramps will be closed through late 2026. The weather has been a big issue this week. These cold temps are affecting concrete, joint sealing, and pavement markings.
If MDOT can’t get it all done by Friday, they’ll push it to the following weekend on Nov. 21.
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