Metro Detroit Commutes Face I-94 Shift Through 2027

Drivers using I-94 and I-696 should plan for lane shifts, ramp closures, and weekend work through late summer 2027.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration of a wide freeway curve with a diagonal concrete barrier narrowing the lanes, rendered in mustard, teal, and cream. — Michigan Department of Transportation is shifting I-94 traffic onto westbound lanes between Wayne Road and Oakwood Boulevard, a setup that runs through late summer 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is your daily commute in metro Detroit getting better or worse?

The Michigan Department of Transportation is shifting I-94 traffic onto the westbound lanes between Wayne Road and Oakwood Boulevard, a setup that stays in place through late summer 2027. Eastbound I-696 is set to reopen between M-10 and I-75 before the end of 2026.

Why it matters

Crews are rebuilding the westbound lanes of I-94, and the work will shape commutes across Metro Detroit and Downriver for much of the next two years. A local business owner reports the detour adds 15 to 20 minutes to the commute.

Traffic is shifting to the westbound lanes of I-94 between Wayne Road and Oakwood Boulevard, with the setup lasting through late summer 2027. Eastbound I-696 reopens between M-10 and I-75 before the end of 2026.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation

The state agency that maintains Michigan's highways and manages major road reconstruction projects like the I-94 and I-696 work.

The details

Traffic moves onto the westbound lanes of I-94 between Wayne Road and Oakwood Boulevard while crews rebuild the westbound side. Later, traffic will shift to the eastbound side so the westbound lanes can be rebuilt. Single-lane closures run on I-94 in Detroit between 2nd Avenue, west of I-75, and Conner, and eastbound Davison ramps to northbound and southbound I-75 close for a couple of months. During 2027 pavement and bridge work, I-696 keeps two lanes open in each direction between I-75 and Dequindre, with a few weekend closures.

Through winter 2026-27: I-94 westbound traffic shift remains in place.
Before end of 2026: Eastbound I-696 reopens between M-10 and I-75.
2027 (through late summer): I-696 lane restrictions and weekend closures for repairs.
Late summer 2027: I-94 westbound traffic shift scheduled to end.
2028: Full I-94 reconstruction between 8 Mile and 11 Mile.

The Home Front

The I-94 and I-696 work is a stage in a multi-year freeway rebuild across Metro Detroit that runs through 2028. For households in Downriver and the surrounding suburbs, the closures add a sustained commute cost that lasts well beyond the current construction season.

If your commute uses I-94 or I-696, plan for extra travel time through 2027 and check MDOT's lane-closure information before leaving. Households near Davison ramps in Detroit should allow for a few months of closures and map alternate routes ahead of time.

The takeaway

Plan around the I-94 westbound shift and I-696 restrictions through 2027, since the Metro Detroit freeway rebuild runs into 2028. Build the 15 to 20 minute added commute time into your schedule and keep a backup route in mind.

What happens next

Eastbound I-696 is set to reopen between M-10 and I-75 before the end of 2026, and I-94 traffic is scheduled to return to its normal pattern in late summer 2027.