As the massive construction project on Interstate 696 continues into its second year, Brian Travis, manager of the project for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the last few months have been “the worst of the worst” for freeway closures.
“We have I-75 ramps closed. Woodward ramps closed. The last few months have been really impactful for drivers,” Travis said. “Have a little more patience with us. It’s almost here. We’re working toward it the fastest that we can.”
Phase Two, which involves construction from Lahser Road to Dequindre Road, has been underway since March 2025, according to the MDOT website. Phase Two is a three-season project, with season two expected to wrap no later than December, Travis said.
Travis said more ramps
will open in August and will continue opening into the fall. The return of the Woodward on and off ramps to I-696 will open up a Woodward intersection that Travis said “people will be glad to have back.”
“Woodward is going to open before the Dream Cruise,” said Diane Cross, Metro Region spokeswoman for MDOT. “In just a few short months, we’ll have traffic back on each side of the freeway, which is big.”
I-696 construction 'still on schedule'
Despite the progress, Ken Agacinski, 44, a consultant from Northville, is frustrated. Agacinski often drives to Warren for work and visits his family frequently in Royal Oak, trips that both require navigation on I-696. Agacinski described his work commute as “almost always about 50% more” time-consuming due to the ongoing construction.
“It’s frustrating, and it’s inconvenient, and I’m spending my time considering both my personal inconvenience as well as all the lost productivity just sitting there on the road,” Agacinski said. “It feels as though there’s an opportunity for a lot more coordination to streamline and simplify people’s commutes and lives.”
Travis said while some work momentarily halted due to weather conditions over the summer, no long-term construction deadlines have been delayed on I-696 due to any recent air quality or storms.
“There have been some days where we couldn’t pave because of heavy rains [or] excessive heat,” Travis said. “The contractor did pull some crews off when we had the air quality issues last week. But, overall, the project is still on schedule.”
Agacinski said he looks forward to his commute possibly getting shorter by 2027, but added he worries for others who may have to endure until the end of the third season of construction.
“[The construction] will affect me a little bit less when it moves a little farther east, but I’m hopeful for everybody who continues to be affected as severely that things won’t be so bad for them,” Agacinski said. “I’m glad that life might be getting back to normal for a lot of people.”
Jude O'Meara is a 2026 Detroit Free Press High School Journalism Apprentice.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: I-696 construction progresses; Woodward ramps set to reopen in August
