LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. – A surge in traffic from I-696 construction detours is creating dangerous conditions at the intersection of 11 Mile Road and Southfield Road in Lathrup Village, where residents report frequent near-misses and crashes due to drivers ignoring stop signs and traffic rules.
The intersection has become particularly hazardous for residents trying to exit the neighborhood via Lathrup Boulevard, as they must contend with increased traffic from both I-696 and the 11 Mile service drive.
“My concern is that there’s a lot more traffic coming up the [I-696] exit ramp, especially with Southfield Road being the only exit open since Woodward,” says Samantha Davis, a resident. “We get a lot more traffic now, and then we don’t have people stopping at the service drive.”
Growing Safety Concerns
Local 4’s cameras captured multiple instances of drivers treating stop signs as yield signs or completely ignoring them. During evening rush hour observations, our team documented several vehicles running stop signs in succession, creating hazardous conditions for other motorists.
The Lathrup Village Police Department confirmed these safety issues, reporting 11 crashes in the area of westbound 11 Mile Road and Lathrup Boulevard during 2025. These incidents included both intersection collisions and rear-end crashes at the stop sign.
Construction Impact
The current situation has been exacerbated by ongoing I-696 construction:
- Southfield Road is currently the only exit open between Woodward Avenue and the construction zone
- Increased detour traffic is flowing through neighborhood streets
- Service drive congestion has intensified
- Visibility issues, especially during evening hours, compound the problem
Police Response and Safety Measures
The Lathrup Village Police Department told Local 4 that officers regularly monitor the stop sign and issue violations.
Most of the crash investigations show drivers assume the third lane is clear when crossing over 11 Mile Rd., and it’s not, according to police.
Safety Tips for Drivers
The Lathrup Village Police Department advises motorists to:
- Drive defensively
- Exercise additional caution in the area
- Allow extra time to reach destinations safely