Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor got a first hand look at the ongoing I-96 rebuilding project in western Oakland County on Thursday.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II inspected progress made on the I-96 Rebuilding Michigan project at I-96 from Kent Lake Road to the I-275/I-696/M-5 interchange. According to administration officials, the effort is expected to support nearly 3,500 jobs and is one of over 20 Rebuilding Michigan projects investing $3.5 Billion into Michigan’s Infrastructure, which they emphasize is being done without raising taxes.
“For too long, drivers on this stretch of I-96 have contended with frequent accidents and congestion,” said Gilchrist. “Through the Rebuilding Michigan program, we are installing intelligent transportation equipment that will relieve congestion and keep drivers safe. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to rebuilding roads throughout Michigan using the right mix of materials. We will keep working to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, support local economies, and keep drivers safe.”
The I-96 Flex Route is a three-year project to turn part of I-96 in Oakland County into a route that utilizes the median shoulder to alleviate rush-hour congestion.
The project includes rebuilding the freeway, rebuilding the median shoulders for use during peak periods, sign upgrades, and active traffic management installation, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS) equipment, overhead gantry installation, and ramp signals for metering traffic onto the freeway. Electronic message boards will alert drivers with speed advisories and travel information.
