MDOT seeks input on massive I-275 closure in 2016

The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning a massive construction project for I-275, which will affect traffic for a year or more. How it affects traffic is something they'd like to hear from the public about.

MDOT announced Friday that construction will begin in the spring of 2016 on I-275 between 5 Mile Road and the I-96/I-696/M-5 interchange. The project will involve replacing 13 miles of concrete, along with repair work on the entrance and exit ramps at each mile road and with 16 bridges along the route.

Three options for lane closures during the project are being considered. They are:

Option 1: One direction of I-275 will close completely, have traffic detoured, and work performed. Once one direction is completed, the opposite direction will close. This will take one construction season and $1.04 million in traffic control costs.

Option 2: Northbound I-275 will remain open the entire time, with traffic shifted as work is performed, and southbound traffic will be detoured during entire project. This will take two construction seasons and $2.87 million in traffic control costs.

Option 3: Both directions of I-275 will share one side of road with barrier walls separating traffic. This will take two construction seasons and $4.85 million in traffic control costs.

MDOT is seeking public input on which options works best. You can voice your opinion through a survey set up by MDOT. The survey should be available for the next week.