Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com


UPDATE: 2:55pm - MDOT has moved the shift and closures out to this Friday, April 3rd.



A big traffic shift, along with ramp closures is coming to westbound I-96 through the Howell area, beginning Wednesday morning, through mid-November.

At 9 am April 1, weather permitting, Michigan Department of Transportation will begin a traffic shift of westbound I-96 traffic to the eastbound side of I-96 from Dorr Road to Chilson Road.

The project will require the following restrictions:

· Westbound I-96 ramp to Grand River Avenue (Exit 141) closure

· Northbound/southbound Latson Road ramp to westbound I-96 closure

· Westbound I-96 from Dorr Road to Chilson Road two lane closure

· Westbound I-96 traffic shift from westbound to eastbound

"We're also going to work on three structures that are going to be replaced along I-96 -- the Ore Creek culvert under I-96 and two bridges over Grand River Avenue," MDOT spokesman Aaron Jenkins told WHMI News.

"It's a lot of work, but we've neglected our infrastructure for a long time and it's time to make this happen.

The work is part of MDOT's $41 million investment to rebuild the I-96/Grand River Avenue interchange as a diverging diamond interchange.

Jenkins says closing the lanes will ensure the safety of workers and motorists.

"It takes a special person to work on a road with cars flying by them at 60 and 70 miles per hour. I can't imagine having my desk in the middle of that," he said. "Just please take care when you're driving and look out for the workers."