2-year I-696 closure starts in 1 month in Oakland County -- here’s everything to know (2025)

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Drivers in Metro Detroit are about to face more frustrations getting to and from their destinations as the Michigan Department of Transportation plans to close a portion of I-696 for two years.

The project will include pavement upgrades, 60 bridge repairs, a plaza reconstruction, and updates to 1,100 drainage structures, according to MDOT.

What stretch of I-696 is impacted?

During this construction, which is the final phase of the “Restore the Reuther” project, eastbound I-696 will be closed from Lahser Road in Southfield to I-75 in Royal Oak.

That’s an eight-mile stretch of the freeway. An additional 1.5-mile stretch from I-75 to Dequindre will receive patching and bridge improvements in 2027.

The following communities will be impacted during the project: Ferndale, Hazel Park, Hunting Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield and Warren.

When will the closure start?

The closure is expected to begin on March 3, 2025. MDOT previously announced that the closure would begin on March 1, but on Thursday, Feb. 27, officials announced that they were pushing back the start date due to weather.

How long will the closure last?

The closure will last through sometime in late fall 2027. MDOT officials said it’s expected to take about two years.

What is the detour?

Eastbound drivers will be detoured to the southbound Lodge Freeway at Telegraph Road, east on the Davison Freeway, and then to northbound I-75 before they can return to I-696, according to MDOT.

While eastbound drivers are detoured, crews will add new pavement to the roadway within the eight-mile stretch.

Westbound traffic will be able to keep traveling westbound during the project.

What about I-75 to Dequindre?

In addition to the new pavement, concrete patching will be done on a 1.5-mile stretch of I-696 from I-75 to Dequindre.

Further details have not been revealed about this additional segment of I-696.

What to know about Oak Park plaza redevelopment

A 2.9-acre plaza in Oak Park will be reconstructed during the project.

Crews will restore a playground that already exists in the plaza, and add picnic pavilions, a prairie garden, fitness training stations, and a bike repair stand.

Church Street pedestrian detour

During this project, MDOT will also replace the Church Street pedestrian bridge.

Pedestrians should temporarily use the path outlined by MDOT above to cross I-696 and then get back to Church Street.