Construction begins on I-75S at Rouge River Bridge

Construction is officially underway on the rouge River bridge, and many drivers tell us they're already not coping well with the detours. The construction project on the southbound lanes of I-75 is expected to last two years.

"It's a little inconvenient but they have to get it done," says Ecorse driver Gregory Dawkins.

Round-the-clock work began Sunday evening near Springwells to remove concrete from the the 49-year-old bridge, a task expected to take about three weeks.

"My brother lives over on Schafer near Fort street," says David Perez. "You go there about 4 or 5 o'clock going that way, it's a good 30 minutes to get to his house." Perez lives in southwest Detroit.

The 51-mile detour has been a nightmare for commuters, especially those living Downriver.

It's a headache for drivers, but the concrete has been crumbling for years and would not otherwise be safe much longer. Work on the northbound lanes is expected to begin in 2018.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $150 million dollars. MDOT officials say they are doing their best to work as fast as possible, and they thank everyone for their patience.