Farmington Hills commuters who have spent nearly 18 months detouring around the eastbound I-696 closure finally have a timeline: MDOT expects to reopen the freeway between M-10 and I-75 before the end of 2026.

MDOT project manager Brian Travis told WXYZ on Tuesday, Aug. 25, that the project is roughly 90% paved and moving through a phased reopening sequence that starts within days.

Travis said MDOT hopes to have the ramps from westbound I-696 to northbound and southbound I-75 open by the end of August, or early September if that deadline slips. The ramp was closed longer than planned after crews discovered more damage than expected.

What comes next

The reopening will unfold in stages:

  • Late August or early September: Ramps from westbound I-696 to I-75 reopen.
  • Early October: Westbound traffic, currently running in the eastbound lanes, shifts back to the rebuilt westbound pavement.
  • After the October shift: Crews finish paving eastbound ramps and the median, then reopen all eastbound lanes before year's end.

That timeline is roughly consistent with earlier projections. MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross said in November 2025 that the full reopening of I-696 in both directions would come "probably in November" 2026.

The closure, part of MDOT's $275 million "Restore the Reuther" project, shut down eastbound I-696 between M-10 and I-75 on March 1, 2025. In November 2025, westbound traffic was shifted into the rebuilt eastbound lanes so crews could tear up and repave the westbound side.

Commuter relief

The impact on area drivers has been severe.

Ranen Yousuf, a physical therapist who commutes from Sterling Heights to Farmington Hills, said her drive doubled. "It's supposed to be a what 25 minute drive, 30 minute drive — and it takes literally an hour," Yousuf said.

The closure pushed traffic onto mile roads and service drives already strained by other projects, including the $12.2 million 12 Mile Road rebuild that is keeping Farmington Hills in single lanes through fall.

2027 work ahead

Even after eastbound lanes reopen, drivers should expect more disruption. Travis said additional bridge and pavement work between I-75 and Dequindre Road will run from mid-April 2027 through fall 2027, reducing traffic to two lanes in each direction through that stretch.

Drivers can check real-time lane closures on MDOT's Mi Drive map or call the project hotline at 248-930-1777.