OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A slow start to spring and an early start to winter have delayed the second segment of the modernize I-75 construction project in Oakland County, officials said.
Drivers thought the project was about to wrap up for the winter.
“It sucks,” one resident said. “I live here, and anyone who lives anywhere near the artery knows it sucks.”
The plan was for the northbound lanes of I-75 between 13 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway to be finished by Thanksgiving.
“We’re not going to make that,” Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman Rob Morosi said. “The fact of the matter is we have our mind set to get northbound back on northbound -- we’re hoping by the end of December right now.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for businesses as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear.
“I think construction affects businesses no matter what time of the year,” Morosi said. “Again, keep in mind the businesses aren’t located on I-75 proper. There are different ways to get to them.”
The southbound construction is scheduled to start in March, which is when there will be another flip -- this time on the opposite side.
“Both directions of I-75 will be maintained on the northbound side while we’re building the southbound side,” Morosi said.
That means potholes will still be an issue on I-75 this winter.
“We’re going to have to work out way through the pothole season on the southbound side, as we did for both directions for last year,” Morosi said.
The delay is expected to affect a lot of the business in the area during the holiday season, but MDOT officials said it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Before the project was condensed, it was supposed to last six years, which would have been much harder on surrounding businesses, experts said.