Overview
- The westbound I-696 ramps to northbound and southbound I-75 reopened Monday, ending about six months of detours for drivers in Oakland County.
- MDOT said crews staged the opening over the day by moving barrier walls, covering and uncovering signs, and adding new pavement markings so full access could roll out during the afternoon.
- Commuters and small-business owners reported immediate relief from reduced detour traffic and shorter travel times after months of congestion on local streets.
- MDOT expects the current Restore the Reuther segment, from I-75 in Hazel Park to Northwestern Highway in Southfield, to finish by the end of 2026 and plans the next phase between I-75 and Dequindre in 2027.
- Local reports disagree on the project cost, citing figures of about $250 million and $280 million, and describe the work as a roughly 10-mile rebuild that includes dozens of bridges.