Honestly, if you’re trying to jump on the freeway in Oakland County right now, you’ve probably already noticed the mess. The i-696 westbound closure today isn't just a minor "avoid this exit" situation; it’s a massive, multi-year headache that has fundamentally changed how we move through the northern suburbs. We're currently in the thick of the "Restore the Reuther" project, and as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the reality for commuters is pretty stark.
You can't just "go westbound" like you used to.
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Essentially, all westbound traffic between I-75 and Telegraph Road has been shoved over onto the newly rebuilt eastbound side. It’s a traffic shift that feels like a maze. If you’re used to hitting those middle-lane exits in Royal Oak or Southfield, you’re likely out of luck. Most of the ramps are just... gone for now.
The Big Shift: Why Your GPS Is Probably Screaming
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) basically flipped the script late last year. They finished the eastbound lanes and said, "Okay, everyone on the west side, move over." Now, both directions of traffic are sharing the eastbound pavement, separated only by those temporary concrete barrier walls.
It's tight.
Because of this "bidirectional" setup, the WB I-696 mainline is effectively closed in its original footprint. If you miss your window to stay on the main road at Couzens Avenue, you’re going to find yourself forced onto I-75 with a very long "scenic" detour in your future. Brian Travis from MDOT has been pretty vocal about this: if you miss that exit, you’re circling back. There’s no "oops" U-turn in a construction zone this dense.
Which Ramps Are Actually Open?
This is where people get tripped up. You can't just hop off at Greenfield anymore. Here is the current reality for westbound travelers today:
- Open Exits: You can still get off at I-75, Woodward Avenue, Southfield Road, and the big Telegraph/Lodge/Lahser interchange.
- Closed Ramps: Forget about Couzens, Bermuda/Hilton, Coolidge, Greenfield, and Evergreen. They are locked down.
- The "Orchard Lake" Situation: Further west, there's still permit work and lane restrictions near the Orchard Lake interchange, though that part is "substantially complete" compared to the total shutdown further east.
If your office is off Greenfield, you basically have to exit at Southfield and "backtrack" through the local 10 Mile or 11 Mile grid. It adds 15 minutes on a good day. On a day like today—with Metro Detroit's typical January weather—it’s more like 30.
The Icicle Factor and the Plaza
One of the weirder reasons for the i-696 westbound closure today and the surrounding construction involves the Victoria Park Plaza in Oak Park. You know that "tunnel" section? For years, MDOT was spending something like $300,000 every single winter just to knock down massive icicles that formed on the ceiling. They were literally dangerous; a 20-pound ice spear through a windshield is no joke.
Part of this massive closure is about fixing the drainage and rebuilding that Church Street Plaza bridge so the "tunnel" stops leaking. Governor Whitmer even pointed out that this specific fix helps the Orthodox Jewish community in Oak Park, who use that plaza to cross safely during Sabbath. It’s a rare instance where roadwork is actually about community walking space as much as it is about asphalt.
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Surviving the 2026 Construction Season
Look, the "Restore the Reuther" project is slated to run through the fall of 2026. We are in the "midway point" grind. The concrete being ripped up dates back to 1989. It’s brittle, it’s full of potholes, and frankly, it had to happen. But knowing it's necessary doesn't make the merge at the Lodge any easier.
Traffic volume on this stretch hits about 100,000 cars a day. When you funnel 100,000 cars into half the number of lanes, physics takes over. Bottlenecks at Woodward and Southfield are the new normal.
Pro-Tips for the Westbound Commute
- Watch the Couzens Split: This is the most critical point. If you’re heading west from the Macomb side, you have to decide early. If you want to stay on I-696, stay in the designated lanes. If you wait too long, the barriers will force you onto I-75.
- The 10 Mile Alternative: If the freeway looks red on your map, 10 Mile Road is your best friend. It was recently reopened and serves as the primary "relief valve" for the Royal Oak and Southfield segments.
- Check the "Mi Drive" Map: Seriously. MDOT’s real-time map is the only thing that stays updated with the daily lane shifts that happen overnight.
We’re stuck with this until late 2026. After that, they might move the party to the stretch between I-75 and Mound Road, but let's not think about that yet. For today, just keep your eyes on the barriers and maybe leave ten minutes earlier than you think you should.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the live Mi Drive interactive map before you put the car in reverse. If you usually take the Evergreen or Greenfield exits, map out a secondary route using 11 Mile or Lincoln Street to avoid the "exit-less" trap between Southfield and Woodward.