Two sinkholes were discovered Monday on the entrance ramps from M-39 (Southfield Freeway) to eastbound I-96, prompting ramp closures, the Michigan Department of Transportation announced.
The sinkholes are located in the two right lanes of the local lane entrance ramps.
Crews blocked off the area to protect vehicles and prevent further road damage.
Traffic on eastbound I-96 remains unaffected, but the northbound and southbound ramps from M-39 to eastbound I-96 are partially closed since vehicles entering the freeway from these ramps would drive over the damaged area.
For northbound M-39 drivers, the ramp to eastbound I-96 is closed, while the ramp to westbound I-96 remains open.
Drivers heading westbound can exit at US-24 (Telegraph Road) or other exits and then turn around to get to eastbound I-96, which is not impacted.
On the southbound side of M-39, the ramp to eastbound I-96 local lanes is closed, but the express lanes ramp is open.
Drivers using the express lanes will find M-8/Davison as the first available exit.
The sinkholes cover two lanes and a shoulder, and are approximately 40 feet by 40 feet by 40 feet by 50 feet, with the lowest point sinking about 3 feet, according to MDOT.
The cause is a break in a six-foot drainage pipe located 45 feet beneath the roadway. This pipe normally carries water to a nearby pump station.
Crews are currently clearing debris from inside the broken drainage pipe.
Once the extent of repairs is determined, work will begin on fixing the pipe, followed by road repairs.
There is currently no timeline for these repairs, as it will depend on the scope of work and weather conditions, according to MDOT.