14-year long construction project on I-75 begins Monday

Monday morning marks the beginning of a complete renovation of I-75 to meet modern day needs.

A 14-year endeavor to widen a 17-mile stretch of I-75 will begin 9 a.m. Monday, which will mean lane closures and possible backups in a few key areas.

"I-75 has definitely been a dangerous road for years and years and years," said Auburn Hills resident Ken Burns.

The goal of the $1 billion reconstruction project is to add a fourth lane to the northbound and southbound lanes from 8 Mile Road to M-59 -- but some commuters are concerned.

"It's needed but the flip side of that is 14 years is a really long time," said Bloomfield Hills resident Indigo Zuri.

According to MDOT, the right lane of southbound I-75 will be closed continuously from Square Lake to Coolidge Highway. A lane on the southbound and northbound ramps to Square Lake will also be closed, along with periodic closures in both directions from Coolidge up to South Boulevard.

"It may be something that people will have to suffer from, but I-75 is a major route throughout this state and through other states also," Burns said. "So we do need I-75 and the roads do need improving."

Other sections of I-75 are expected to have lane closures over the following months and years. Several bridges replacements are also planned.

"Why so long?" Zuri said. "I'll be too old to drive in 14 years."