I-96 shutdown: Drivers, business owners prepare

Interstate 96 to shut down between Telegraph, Newburgh roads for massive reconstruction project

LIVONIA, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation is putting the brakes on travel on a busy stretch of interstate this Saturday.

Interstate 96 will be shut down between Telegraph and Newburgh roads until October while crews rebuild 7 miles of roadway, repair 37 overpasses and upgrade freeway utilities.

"It's reached that age. It's reached the condition that it just needs to be completely ripped up and replaced," said Rob Morosi, spokesman for MDOT.

Milad Hallis has owned Beirut Bakery in Redford Township for decades. It's located near the portion of freeway that will be closed.

"[Customers] ask us if it will affect [me]," Hallis said. "I tell them if you come back it will never affect us."

Local 4 Special Projects Producer Meaghan St. Pierre had to switch her son's daycare because of the construction project.

"It's traumatic to take a 4-year-old out of the care of somebody that has been watching him since he was a little baby," St. Pierre said.

Many drivers are wondering how long is it going to take to get to their destinations.

Andy Etchen owns a plumbing and heating company in Plymouth.

"A lot of our supply houses are right along the freeway here off the service drive. That's going to be real difficult for us to get to," Etchen said.

As people navigate the detours, especially in the first few days, MDOT says be prepared for backups.

"I hope the nice weather is going to bring out the best in everybody," said Lynn Aleman who works in the area."It's just the time that it's going to take and making the modifications to make it work."

I-96 shutdown starts Friday night

Ramps will be closed at 7 p.m. Friday before the freeway is shutdown at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The service drives will be restricted to one lane in each direction throughout the construction project.

Livonia police are urging drivers to plan their alternate routes immediately and allow extra time to make it to their destinations safely.

Read: More details on the project