“I feel like every route I take there is still construction, why does the state do it all at once?” asked one frustrated driver after learning about the latest ramp closure.
On Monday, MDOT closed the WB I-696 ramp to Woodward through the summer.
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On Thursday, the Woodward ramp to WB I-696 will also close.
MDOT estimates 20,000 drivers take the Woodward exit ramp off of WB 696 every day.
“It’s going to be another hurdle, 696 has already been huge interruption so this is news to me,” said one driver.
Diane Cross with MDOT says “ those folks who didn’t hear about it because they didn’t watch Local 4, will have to get off of Southfield - and if the miss it they have to go another 8 miles to Orchard Lake.”
This latest ramp closure is part of MDOT’s I-696 Restore the Reuther project, which has impacted drivers in Oakland County since last year.
“Everybody around here will see heavy traffic as we pave parts of the freeway, ramps and service drive,” Cross said.
To get around it, MDOT suggests taking Van Dyke to eight mile back to Woodward - which will
certainly add time to your commute.
“It’s increased my drive by 20-30 minutes,”
a driver said. Adding “I’ve replaced two tires on my car in the last seven months.”