(WXYZ) — Two large Michigan Department of Transportation road construction projects are ramping up across two counties in metro Detroit.
Work has already started in Livonia and Plymouth along I-96 and M-14, and that's just one of two, 2-year projects, including I-696 eastbound from Lahser to I-75 beginning next week.
Related: What to know about the two-year I-696 construction project in Oakland County
Considered a monumental project that will affect more than 200,000 drivers daily, MDOT now says I-696 eastbound from Lahser to I-75 will officially close for two years starting Monday.
The final phase of the “Restore the Reuther” project was delayed due to weather after original plans to start Saturday.
"You need to plan early. Even if you’re not using the freeway, if you use any eastbound route from 8-16 Mile, you are going to see heavier traffic," said MDOT's Diane Cross.
From Oakland County to Wayne County, drivers who routinely pass through places like Livonia and Plymouth Township, these big road construction projects have gone from something to plan for to something they’re now feeling.
"Side roads. Beck is usually traffick-y, not really a solution," said Krystin Paszko, one driver we spoke with.
Today I visited parts of M-14 & I-96, where orange barrels are already on display.
The 2-year, $140 million undertaking will reduce lanes on the eastbound side of M-14 & I-96, from Sheldon to Newburgh through late 2025.
There will also only be one lane open on eastbound M-14 & I-96, from Beck to Levan and all eastbound ramps are closing from Sheldon to Newburgh.
MDOT laid out the full timeline and all closures here.
"It gets pretty busy. Lots of accidents here, so more traffic probably isn’t a good thing," said Paszko.
Short term ramp closures include the Sheldon Rd. exit for just a month, and I-275 ramps to eastbound I-96 for about 2 months.
On the westbound side, ramps are open except northbound I-275 to westbound M-14, which are closed for the year.
