A major construction project has partially closed a busy metro Detroit interstate for the next two years.

As of the afternoon of Monday, March 3, crews with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have fully closed a ten mile stretch of eastbound I-696 between M-10 and I-75.

According to MDOT, westbound traffic will be maintained while eastbound and westbound I-696 are rebuilt between Lahser Road and I-75. However, eastbound traffic will be detoured for two years via southbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway), eastbound M-8 (Davison Highway) and northbound I-75 back to eastbound I-696.

The eastbound I-696 closure is part of MDOT’s larger “Restore the Reuther” project to rebuild the roadway, bridge work and drainage structures of both directions of I-696.

Starting next year, westbound I-696 will be rebuilt from I-75 to Lahser Road.