Southbound I-75 ramps to I-696 to close Thursday, Oct. 21

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (FOX 2) - The Michigan Department of Transportation announced it will close ramps from southbound I-75 to both directions of 696 at 10 a.m. on Thursday as part of the Modernize I-75 project.

MDOT announced it both ramps from I-75 will be closed starting Oct. 21 with plans to reopen by Nov. 11, weather permitting. The work will repair the pavement and barrier walls on both ramps.

The detours for traffic will be significantly farther north - so be sure to pay attention. Drivers who need to go either direction on 696 should get off on the eastbound I-75 Business Loop (Square Lake Road) and take Woodward Avenue south to 696.

Drivers who need to get to Troy or Royal Oak can still get off on those ramps as Big Beaver, 14 Mile, and 12 Mile ramps are all open. 

The plan to modernize I-75 started in 2016 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023. The project is on the third phase of its three-phase plan and is currently working on the section between 8 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road.