I - 96 reconstruction project - Project overview

[music full] Thank you for your interest in the Michigan Department of Transportation's I-96 Reconstruction and Bridge Rehabilitation Project. This video provides an overview of the planned improvements for this important interstate corridor located in the City of Livonia and Redford Township, Michigan. After more than 40 years of service, this 7-mile stretch of I-96 – beginning east of I-275 near Newburgh Road and ending at Telegraph Road – is being reconstructed to modernize and improve the current roadway's condition. Regional and local travelers will benefit from the reconstruction of pavement, as well as the repair of eight interchanges, 37 bridges (including two bridges being replaced), and 26 on and off ramps that serve the needs of local businesses and communities. When completed, the reconstructed I-96 corridor will be a safer, more efficient and attractive gateway to southeast Michigan. Let's make our way eastbound through the new corridor and look at some of the planned improvements. Travelers will experience improvements along the entire length of the project corridor, including: flattened roadway slopes and improved pavement, drainage and landscaping; repaired bridges, ranging from minor repairs to complete replacements; safety and traffic enhancements, such as longer entrance and exit ramps; upgraded signs and energy-efficient LED freeway lighting; service drive fencing, and textures and colors on bridges, retaining walls, barriers and fences to help tie the corridor and local neighborhoods together. Additionally, the Seminary pump house at the Rouge River will be rehabilitated to improve storm drainage along the corridor. Not only will these improvements make travel better and improve visual quality, but many of them will help the Michigan Department of Transportation cost-efficiently operate and maintain the roadway. [music] Approaching the Merriman Road interchange, planned improvements include: lengthening the freeway entrance and exit ramps to improve safety and traffic flow, the addition of left-turn lanes at the U-turn bridges to improve traffic flow, and the addition of retaining walls to help the flattening of roadway slopes. [music] Continuing eastbound toward Middle Belt Road, both the Middle Belt interchange and U-turn bridges over I-96 will be repaired. [music] Within the Inkster Road interchange, planned safety improvements include the realignment of I-96 through the Inkster Curves. These curves are broadened with increased banking to improve sight distance and driver comfort, while also enhancing drainage and traffic safety. These improvements are made possible by reconstructing portions of the existing retaining walls within the interchange, and completely replacing the Inkster Road and Breakfast Drive bridges. [music] The final design and construction approach for I-96 is based upon more than two years of public feedback, regarding: traveler mobility during construction, the use of community-inspired aesthetic design elements, and options to minimize construction durations and project costs. A full closure of I-96 was selected as the best approach to limit freeway mobility impacts to a single construction season and gain the greatest cost efficiencies. Reconstruction efforts are planned to begin in early 2014, with the freeway reopening in late 2014, and all construction completed by early 2015. The Michigan Department of Transportation thanks project stakeholders for their valuable input during the project development process, and will continue to coordinate with individual businesses and neighborhood groups throughout construction. For the latest project information, and to provide your input, please use these resources. [music full]