A long-term freeway closure in Detroit could have ripple effects on Ontario commuters.
The long-dreaded closing of Interstate 75's southbound lanes took place on the weekend, but Monday's commute will be the first real test of motorists' patience. The Michigan Department of Transportation is completely closing I-75 southbound from the I-96 interchange to Northline Rd in Southgate. The work is expected to last through the fall of 2018.
The closure could have an effect on commuters heading into Michigan from the Ambassador Bridge. The I-75/I-96 interchange is adjacent to the bridge, but M-DOT says access to and from and bridge should be maintained at all times. Thousands of vehicles from Ontario use the bridge each day to commute to Michigan for work, shopping and tourism.
The main reason for the closure is for crews to do major reconstructive work on the Rouge River Bridge, just further south on the freeway from downtown Detroit and part of a major commuter route. The bridge is in a state of disrepair and the project will involve having all of its concrete removed and replaced. The same work is being done to smaller bridges along the freeway's work zone as well.
The freeway's northbound lanes will remain open as usual during construction.
The official detour, according to M-DOT, will send drivers to westbound I-96, then to southbound I-275. From there, commuters who may be headed to Ohio and beyond will rejoin I-75 southbound north of Monroe.
Other alternate routes include:
- Westbound I-96 to westbound I-94, then south on Allen Rd or Telegraph Rd
- Southbound Fort St
- From the tunnel, westbound Jefferson Ave
- Southbound Dix Hwy