MDOT expects I-275 to reopen by Labor Day

The Michigan Department of Transportation says it expects northbound I-275 to reopen by Labor Day.

That stretch of the road between M-14/I-96 and the I-96/I-696/M-5 interchange has been closed since early July after construction was completed on the other side.

This, of course, MDOT says depends on weather, but the northbound lanes are expected to open early September.

The I-275/I-96/I-696/M-5 interchange ramps will remain under construction until mid-September.

Crews earlier expected construction to be completed in mid-September, so crews are currently ahead of schedule.

The $75.1 million project has involved replacing 13 miles of concrete pavement, repairing entrance and exit ramps at each "Mile" road, repairing 16 bridges, improving drainage, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) work.

The project began in early May when the first side of the freeway was closed until July 1, and the next phase of the other side of the freeway began July 5.

Drivers are reminded that when the main freeway reopens, the ramps through the interchange will remain under construction, with closures affecting the M-5 ramps through September, and additional work which is expected to be finished Fall 2016.