Detroit Freeway Closures Set for Weekend Work
MDOT is closing eastbound I-96 and parts of I-75 in Detroit over the weekend of November 6 for construction.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Car Types
The Michigan Department of Transportation is closing all eastbound I-96 express and local lanes between Southfield and Schaefer in Detroit, along with several eastbound ramps. Separately, segments of northbound and southbound I-75 in Detroit will be closed for weekend construction.
Why it matters
The closures will force drivers in Detroit onto detours through Southfield, M-5, I-94, and I-75 for several days. Commuters and travelers in the city should plan alternate routes ahead of the weekend.
The I-96 eastbound closure runs from 7 p.m. Nov. 6 to 5 p.m. Nov. 8, while the I-75 closure runs from 9 p.m. Nov. 6 to 5 a.m. Nov. 9. The source does not describe the specific construction work or any contingency for delays.
The players
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
MDOT is the state agency responsible for maintaining and building Michigan's highways, bridges, and transit systems.
The details
Eastbound I-96 traffic will be detoured onto northbound Southfield, then eastbound M-5, and back onto I-96. Northbound I-75 traffic will be routed to I-96, then I-94, then I-75, while southbound I-75 is closed between I-375 and I-96.
Timeline
Nov. 6, 7 p.m.: Eastbound I-96 closure between Southfield and Schaefer begins.
Nov. 6, 9 p.m.: I-75 closure in Detroit begins.
Nov. 8, 5 p.m.: Eastbound I-96 closure is scheduled to end.
Nov. 9, 5 a.m.: I-75 reopens.
Roadmap
Weekend freeway closures like these are a recurring feature of MDOT's work on Detroit-area highways, which see heavy commuter traffic on I-96 and I-75. Drivers who rely on these corridors have learned to expect periodic detours as older infrastructure is repaired.
Drivers commuting through Detroit this weekend will face longer trips and detours through Southfield, M-5, I-94, and I-75. Plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time from Friday evening through Monday morning.
The takeaway
Check MDOT's traffic updates before driving in Detroit this weekend, since the I-75 closure runs through Monday morning. Allowing extra time and planning detours in advance will help avoid delays on the affected routes.
What happens next
The I-96 eastbound closure is scheduled to end at 5 p.m. on Nov. 8, and the I-75 closure is scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. on Nov. 9.
Further reading
For more on vehicles and driving conditions, see Car Types coverage for Detroit.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDIV.
