News Summary
Construction has resumed on the $160 million resurfacing project on I-75 in Northern Oakland County. Year three focuses on improving 15 miles of highway, impacting motorists with traffic delays and detours. Ramps will be closed but some will reopen soon, aiming to enhance safety and support local jobs. The project is part of a larger initiative to address critical state highways funded by the Rebuilding Michigan program.
Construction Resumes on I-75 for Year Three of $160 Million Resurfacing Project in Northern Oakland County
Clarkston, Michigan – In a development that will have many motorists adjusting their plans, the massive resurfacing project on I-75 in Oakland County is back in action! This ongoing four-year project is aimed at significantly improving the highway, costing a whopping $160 million as it focuses on resurfacing a total of 15 miles of one of the state’s busiest routes.
Year Three Kicks Off with a Bang
As we step into year three of this ambitious undertaking, construction crews are gearing up to tackle the southbound lanes of I-75. This year, the work will concentrate on milling and resurfacing the highway, bringing its conditions up to par for the safety and comfort of everyone who uses it.
The construction area extends from Ortonville Road (M-15) in Clarkston all the way to the Oakland/Genesee county line. So, if you’re planning to hit the road in this section, get ready for some detours! To keep traffic flowing while the work is completed, both directions of traffic will be rerouted to the northbound side of the highway. This means that there will be two lanes available for travel in each direction on the northbound side.
Buckle Up for Traffic Delays
As construction gets underway, motorists should brace themselves for potential delays and closures throughout the spring and summer months. With crews actively working on the highway, bridges, and ramps in this busy area, it’s a good idea to allow extra time for your travels.
Some ramps will be closed during this time, notably the southbound exits to East Holly Road and Dixie Highway (U.S. 24). Additionally, entrance ramps from East Holly Road, Dixie Highway/Saginaw Road, and Grange Hall Road are also set to be closed. However, there is a silver lining; the southbound M-15 ramp to southbound I-75 is expected to reopen this spring, once the weather allows for necessary pavement markings to be applied.
Backing Our Roads with Funding
This project is made possible thanks to funding from the Rebuilding Michigan bonding program initiated by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. With a massive allocation of $3.5 billion for road funding spread out over five years, this program seeks to prioritize state highways and bridges that are critical to Michigan’s economy and encounter high traffic volumes.
Last year, while the northbound lanes were tackled for resurfacing, traffic was rerouted to share the southbound side, an arrangement that brought its own set of challenges. Looking ahead, in 2026, crews are expected to remove temporary crossovers and wrap up any remaining work to bring this extensive project to a close.
The Economic Impact
Besides making the roads safer for drivers, this construction project has economic benefits too! According to modeling, the effort is expected to support approximately 1,936 jobs, which is a much-appreciated boost for the local community. More jobs mean not just more income for families but also more money flowing into local businesses.
Overall, while the construction may cause some inconvenience in the short term, the long-term benefits will surely make the journey smoother and safer for everyone in the area. So, remember to plan ahead and drive carefully through the construction zones. Safe travels, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MLive: I-75 Repairs Begin Year 3
- Wikipedia: I-75 (Michigan)
- ABC12: I-75 Project Resuming
- Google Search: I-75 construction Michigan
- CBS News: Clarkston Construction Schedule
- Google Scholar: I-75 construction Oakland County
- Click On Detroit: 5-Vehicle Pileup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan transportation
- WNEM: I-75 Road Work Resumes
- Google News: I-75 Oakland County
