As someone who has lived in Michigan for more than seven years, I am well-versed in the ongoing road construction that occurs around the state. This past weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) made a number of significant announcements on the closing of its freeways. Please allow me to walk you through these closures and explain how you can best organize your vacation in accordance with them. Read below about “Major Road Closures in Michigan- What to Expect This Weekend”.
Table of Contents
I-75 in Oakland County: Full Closure from Square Lake to Baldwin Road
Between the hours of 11 p.m. on Friday and 5 a.m. on Monday, a portion of Interstate 75 will be closed in both directions, beginning at Square Lake Road and ending at Baldwin Road.
Over fifteen miles of roadway will be disrupted as a result of this shutdown of Interstate 75, which is an important north-south artery in the Detroit area. The proposed diversion takes motorists to M-24, Woodward Avenue, and then back to Interstate 75; however, it is possible that Woodward Avenue will also experience excessive traffic.
My Advice: Avoid the I-75 Corridor Entirely
I-75 should be avoided at all costs by local travelers whenever possible. It is recommended that you make use of side roads or parallel thoroughfares, and that you allow at least thirty minutes for travel.
I-96 in Ingham County: East-West Disruption Between M-52 and Williamston Road
Between the hours of 9 p.m. on Friday and 5 a.m. on Monday, a roughly 6-mile portion of Interstate 96 will be closed between M-52 and Williamston Road. This closure is another significant one.
A significant east-west route that connects Lansing and Detroit is hindered as a result of this closure. Drivers following the detour will be directed to M-52 and Meridian Road; however, Meridian Road is a two-lane road that is expected to get congested.
My Advice: Avoid I-96, Use Williamston’s Grand River Avenue
This section of Interstate 96 should be completely avoided by travelers. Grand River Avenue through Williamston is an alternative route to take if you are traveling within the immediate area; however, you should be sure to account for additional time.
I-196 in Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford Freeway Full Closure
From Friday evening at nine o’clock until Monday morning at five o’clock, a portion of the Gerald R. Ford Freeway (I-196) in Grand Rapids will be closed from Interstate 96 to Fuller Avenue. This closure will last until Monday morning.
This closure affects a distance of around five miles through the downtown area of Grand Rapids, and the diversion that has been posted involves US-131, which is another popular road that may face delays.
My Advice: Take Local Roads in Grand Rapids
It is recommended that you utilize local streets such as Lake Michigan Drive or Franklin Street in order to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Even if your journey might take longer, you won’t have to deal with the aggravation of sitting in traffic on the detours for the freeway. Add at least forty minutes to the total time.
US-23 in Ann Arbor: Southbound Closure from M-14 to North Territorial Road
In order to ensure the safety of residents and tourists to Ann Arbor, the southbound lanes of US-23 will be closed beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday and continuing until 5 a.m. on Monday. Around seven kilometers of the city of Ann Arbor are affected by this closure.
The diversion will be M-14, however there is a good chance that there will be a lot of traffic.
My Advice: Use Main Street or Huron Street in Downtown Ann Arbor
When traveling through downtown Ann Arbor, it is best to steer clear of US-23 and instead use Main Street or Huron Street. Assume that there will be delays, and add an additional forty-five minutes to your trip time.
Advanced Planning is Key to Avoiding Delays
Due to the significant closures, it is essential to make preparations in advance. If at all possible, steer clear of these affected roadways, and make sure to provide extra time for excursions within the immediate area. Any travel that is not absolutely necessary should be postponed until after Monday morning, when the closures will be lifted. This is the best alternative.
Check the website of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the latest information on road closures, alternative routes, and the current traffic conditions. If you prepare ahead, you can lessen the amount of frustration you experience and the amount of difficulty that roadwork causes. I hope you like reading “Major Road Closures in Michigan- What to Expect This Weekend”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michigan’s ongoing roadwork is inconvenient, but it can be handled more easily if you plan ahead. This weekend, several major freeways will be closed, so it’s important to stay up to date and change your travel plans as needed. Avoiding the closed areas completely, taking alternate routes like local roads, and giving yourself extra time to travel will help lessen the effects of these closures.
You can avoid delays and frustration by planning your routes ahead of time and checking MDOT’s website for the latest information on road closures and traffic conditions. The best way to avoid the worst traffic is to wait to travel until after Monday morning if you don’t have to. People driving in Michigan can handle these short-term problems and still get where they need to go without too much stress if they are patient and plan ahead.
Michaela Krajanova is an expert in travel journalism and blogging. With over 10 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management, Michaela Krajanova has cultivated a substantial following on Instagram, showcasing her travel photography and insights. Explore engaging travel guides and stories on her Instagram handle @michaela_krajanova, where she connects with a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts. Michaela’s work makes travel accessible and inspiring for readers around the globe, providing firsthand experiences and expert advice.
