MDOT 2013 Construction Includes I-696 in Farmington Hills

A $2.2 million freeway repair project will affect the area between I-275 and Orchard Lake Road.

The Michigan Dept. of Transportation's $187 million construction program for 2013 includes a stretch of I-696 that runs through Farmington Hills.  According to a press release posted on the State of Michigan website, a $2.2 million pavement repair project affecting an area of the freeway between I-275 and Orchard Lake Road is included in contracts awarded to "improve 80 miles of pavement and repair 15 bridges in the MDOT Metro Region." Other Oakland County projects include: Read the complete press release at www.michigan.gov/mdot to see how the construction season will affect your commute and travel plans. 

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Tanker Accident Closes I-696; Lanes Open During Rush Hour

Crews are working to clear an 18-wheeler carrying jet fuel from the freeway. Lanes open during rush hour will be closed again at 9 a.m., police say.

Getting Around: Watch for Traffic Tie-Ups, Pedestrians in Farmington, Farmington Hills

Road construction, the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market and a hazardous waste collection are all part of a big weekend.

If you're planning to be out and about in Farmington and Farmington Hills this weekend, pack your patience – and keep a sharp eye out for pedestrians and traffic back-ups. These events and activities are likely to cause some congestion: Downtown parking Finding a spot in and around downtown Farmington Saturday morning will likely be challenging, with the farmers market opening and a youth baseball league parade going on at roughly the same time. Good bets are the parking lots along Orchard Street behind the Downtown Farmington Center and at the Maxfield Training Center, Thomas and Warner Streets. Download a map of all parking areas from the Farmington Downtown Development Authority website.  Remember to watch for and yield to pedestrians …

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Road Commission Announces Weekend I-696 Lane Closures in Farmington Hills

The RCOC will be clearing a clogged drainage culvert and reshaping ditches.

  The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) expects to close a lane of I-696 this weekend around Orchard Lake Rd. in Farmington Hills and Franklin Rd. in Southfield. On Saturday, May 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., RCOC will close the right (outside) lane of east I-696 just east of Orchard Lake Road. Then, on Sunday, May 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., RCOC will close the right (outside) lane of west I-696 between Orchard Lake and Farmington roads. On Saturday, RCOC will also close the ramp from north Orchard Lake to east I-696, for the same hours. On Sunday, RCOC will close the ramp from south Orchard Lake to west I-696 during the same hours as the lane closure. The closures are needed to clear a clogged drainage culvert that runs under the…

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Michigan State Police Seek Hit-and-Run Driver in I-696 Accident

A Commerce Twp. man is at Botsford Hospital after an early morning crash in Farmington Hills.

Michigan State Police are looking for a red vehicle with front end or front corner damage in connection with an early morning hit-and-run incident on I-696 near Farmington Road. In a press release, authorities said a 61-year-old Commerce man was taken to Botsford Hospital after the red vehicle – a pick-up truck, van or sport utility vehicle – struck him and continued west on the interstate. The victim had just been involved in an accident, and had stopped on the left shoulder. He was walking toward the other vehicle on the right shoulder of the road when he was hit. The accidents occurred at around 4:45 a.m. If you have information about the hit and run, contact Michigan State Police Metro North Post, 248-584-5740.

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