MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. \u2013 Construction on I-696 in Oakland County has hit its midway point, leading to traffic shifting. <\/p>\n
The major transformation of I-696 in Oakland County began over the weekend as crews shut down all westbound lanes between I-75 and Telegraph Road, with impacts expected to last through fall 2026.<\/p>\n
The closure, which began at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, marked the start of a significant phase in the highway\u2019s reconstruction project. <\/p>\n
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) shifted westbound traffic onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes on Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 a.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of preparation has to happen this weekend to push traffic to the other side,\u201d said Brian Travis, MDOT spokesperson. Construction crews are relocating temporary concrete barrier walls from the west to east side and implementing new pavement markings and signage throughout the corridor.<\/p>\n
The project will impact approximately 100,000 drivers in Oakland County. <\/p>\n
MDOT officials emphasize that drivers will need to plan alternate routes, particularly during Monday\u2019s morning commute.<\/p>\n
\u201cDrivers will have plenty of warning, but if you miss the westbound entrance, you\u2019ll have to exit at I-75 and re-enter at a different point,\u201d Travis explained. A crucial decision point will be at Couzens Avenue, where drivers must choose between continuing west on I-696 or merging onto I-75.<\/p>\n
While access will remain available to several major ramps, including I-75, Woodward Avenue, Southfield Road, Lahser Road, Telegraph Road, and M-10, drivers will lose access to the Coolidge Highway and Greenfield Road ramps during this phase of construction.<\/p>\n
Local commuters acknowledge the necessity of the roadwork despite the inconvenience. \u201cYou love when the roads get fixed, but the work getting there can get frustrating,\u201d said one regular I-696 driver. <\/p>\n
Another motorist advised, \u201cSometimes you can\u2019t plan for it – just leave earlier than normal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The westbound side reconstruction will continue through fall 2026, focusing on the stretch between I-75 and Lahser Road. <\/p>\n
MDOT recommends drivers plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time, especially during peak commuting hours.<\/p>\n