The Restore the Reuther project on I-696 in Macomb County is now more than six months old, and the Michigan Department of Transportation does expect both sides of the highway and all ramps to be open by the end of the year.
In a project update sent out Monday, MDOT said they continue to put down new concrete and they are just days away from completing the first two lanes between Dequindre Rd. and I-94 on the westbound lanes. Currently, the westbound traffic is on the completed eastbound lanes.
They also said that the ramps, shoulders, curbs and gutters are being placed concurrently and they will begin on the inside lanes shortly and continue through December.
MDOT said they have measures that are in place for the construction work to continue in colder temperatures and they are "prepared to protect the new pavement from the elements as winter approaches."
According to MDOT, they expect both lanes and all ramps to be open by the end of the year. If they can't finish because of weather, temporary work will be done to open the roadway and the rest of the work will then continue in the spring of 2019.
As for progress in Oakland County, MDOT said the concrete pavement repair work wrapped up this weekend and that means no more full closures of I-696 in Oakland County.
MDOT did say that more joint repair and drainage work remains to be completed, but it will be completed under lane closures at night.
