I-96 to shut down for repair work

Freeway to close between Newburgh, Telegraph

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – We survived the Southfield freeway closure in 2011, but can we do it again for I-96? The freeway is set to shut down after the North American International Auto Show. Drivers and business owners along the I-96 corridor are already preparing for the most dreaded construction project of 2014.

Clifton Denha is one of many business owners preparing for the dreadful I-96 shut down. The owner of the Wine Palace in Livonia said, "We're doing a lot more promoting, a lot more advertising to try to keep the customers rolling in. We're hoping in exchange for some customers we might lose we might gain some new customers."

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He isn't the only one expecting more traffic on surface streets. MDOT has expanded the I-275 exit ramp to Six Mile. Schoolcraft will be down to one lane in several stretches. Drivers are already starting to pack their patience.

"I'm sure the overflow traffic is going to impact everyone whether you work locally or not."

Kevin Schmidt said, "I don't think the service drives will be able to support the extra traffic. Those are so old and falling apart as it is that going to just be another project they'll have to tackle."

I-96 will close both ways between Newburgh and Telegraph to repair 37 overpasses and reconstruct a 7 mile stretch of freeway.

 

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