The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites the public to attend either of two open houses regarding the last phase of the I-696 Restore the Reuther project with the proposed rebuilding between Lahser Road and Dequindre Road. This project will impact the communities of Southfield, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Madison Heights, and Hazel Park. 
 
The project will include rebuilding the Church Street plaza bridge over I-696 in Oak Park. 
 
During these open houses, there will be information related to the proposed work, including schedule and traffic impacts. Team members will be available to answer questions.
 
Who: 
Interested residents 
Commuters 
Community stakeholders 
Local businesses
MDOT staff
 
When/Where: 
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
4:30 - 6: 30 p.m. 
Southfield Public Library
26300 Evergreen Road
Southfield, MI 48076
 
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
4:30 - 6: 30 p.m. 
Hazel Park Community Center
620 W. Woodward Heights
Hazel Park, MI 48030
 
Project Details:

The last phase of the Restore the Reuther project will improve the portion of I-696 between Lahser Road and Dequindre Road. This $290 million investment will include 8 miles of new concrete pavement and base material, 1.5 miles of concrete patching, drainage improvements, and sign, traffic signal, and pavement marking upgrades. Improvements and preventive maintenance on 60 bridges within the project limits will also be included.    
 
The project will occur in 2025 - 2027. During 2025 and 2026, the westbound lanes will remain open with eastbound traffic detoured via southbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway/Northwestern Highway), eastbound M-8 (Davison Freeway), and northbound I-75 back to eastbound I-696.
 
Rebuilding the Church Street plaza bridge is also included with the project. The existing bridge will be removed and replaced in 2025 and 2026. Existing amenities on top of the plaza bridge will be restored and new amenities such as pavilions, shade structures and fitness stations will be added.
 
The pedestrian detour for Church Street over I-696 will be along Church Street and Charlotte Rothstein Park.  
 
Accessibility: Attendees who require mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov, preferably at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage. Requests made after this timeframe will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible. 
 
Public input: 

Comments and input can also be submitted by using the contact information below. 

Monica Monsma 
MDOT Environmental Services Section
MonsmaM@Michigan.gov
425 West Ottawa St. 
P.O. Box 30050 
Lansing, MI 48909 
517-335-4381