News Summary
The Michigan Department of Transportation will close southbound I-75 in Detroit for two weekends to perform critical bridge enhancements. Beginning September 5, the closures will affect all on-ramps to this highway section. Motorists are advised to use detour routes established by MDOT, while the improvements seek to extend the lifespan of key bridges and enhance travel safety.
Detroit
Southbound I-75 in Detroit will experience significant closures over the next two weekends as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) undertakes important bridge enhancements. The first closure will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 5, and will run through 5 a.m. on Monday, September 8. The second set of closures will take place the following weekend, starting at the same time on Friday, September 12, and concluding early Monday morning, September 15.
In addition to the closures of southbound I-75 between Clark Avenue and Schaefer Road, all on-ramps to this section of highway will also be closed during this time. This will affect motorists looking to travel south on I-75, necessitating alternative routes and detours.
Detours and Alternate Routes
To assist drivers affected by the closures, MDOT has established a detour route that will redirect traffic onto westbound I-96, westbound I-94, and southbound I-275. For local traffic, Fort Street (M-85) will be available as an alternate route. Drivers are advised to plan their travels ahead of time to avoid congestion and delays.
Project Overview and Importance
This closure is part of a larger $42 million project focusing on the enhancement of several key bridges along I-75. The project will add a protective surface to four bridges that were previously upgraded with new decks between 2017 and 2018. Among the bridges included in these enhancements are the I-75 Rouge River bridge and the I-75 bridge over Fort Street (M-85), as well as multiple ramp bridges. These improvements aim to extend the lifespan and safety of the bridges, ensuring better travel conditions for the thousands of motorists who use this route each day.
Impact on Motorists
As these closures approach, drivers should remain informed about the ongoing work and plan their routes accordingly to minimize disruption to their traveling schedules. The enhancements are expected to improve the structural integrity of the bridges, which is particularly vital considering the heavy traffic flow on I-75, a major artery in Detroit.
Background Information
I-75 is a critical stretch of highway in Michigan, connecting multiple regions and facilitating commerce and daily commutes. Regular maintenance and enhancements of infrastructure such as bridges are essential for the safety and efficiency of transportation networks. The $42 million investment reflects the ongoing commitment by MDOT to ensure that Michigan’s highways remain in optimal condition, thus supporting economic growth and safe travel.
Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on the project status and closely monitor MDOT announcements for any additional information regarding delays or changes to the detour routes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Metro Detroit Faces New Road Construction Closures
Cancellation of I-75 Northbound Closure Due to Weather
Weekend Closure of Northbound I-75 in Detroit Canceled
Planned I-75 Closure Canceled in Detroit
Interstate 75 Closures for Bridge Work in Detroit
M-45 Road Resurfacing Project Begins in Michigan
Detroit Gears Up for Memorial Day Weekend Events
Michigan Suspends Road Construction for Memorial Day Weekend
Major Road Closures on I-696 in Oakland County
Metro Detroit and Birmingham Bid Farewell to Local Favorites
Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Detroit Bridge Upgrades
- MLive: I-75 Weekend Closure
- Fox2 Detroit: I-75 Weekend Closures
- WXYZ: I-75 Southwest Detroit Closures
- Wikipedia: Interstate 75 in Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
