Years-Long I-75 Closure From Detroit To Downriver Begins Today

DETROIT (WWJ) - The day drivers in metro Detroit have been dreading is finally here.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says southbound I-75 began the process of shutting down on Saturday morning from I-96 in Detroit to Goddard Road in Taylor -- and it will remain closed for two years.

The exact I-75 southbound closure location is between Springwells to Goddard, with re-entry at Northline/Allen Road in Taylor/Southgate through 2017;northbound I-75 will remain open at all times. Next year, the closure will extend to Telegraph/Sibley in Taylor/Riverview.

Alternate route options include I-94, M-85 (Fort Street), Jefferson Avenue, and Dix Highway. The posted detour for commercial vehicles will include southbound I-75 to westbound I-96, then southbound I-275 to southbound I-75 in Monroe.

More information on the project can be found at 75rougeriver.com.

For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.