Part of SB I-75 reopens to Downriver motorists

After nearly 2 years of waiting and dealing with construction, motorists Downriver can use part of Interstate 75 again.

On Saturday, Southbound I-75 reopened from Outer Drive on the Detroit/Lincoln Park border to Sibley Road to the south. All exit and entrance ramps have been reopened along that stretch, the Michigan Department of Transportation said in a statement. 

"Lots of happy, happy tweets and it’s only been 12 hours," said Diane Cross, spokewoman for MDOT. "I expect the Monday pm rush will be a good one for lots of folks!"

More: MDOT: SB I-75 in Detroit, Downriver closing for 2 years

More: Drivers seek answers on I-75 Rouge River project

Southbound I-75 lanes had been closed for nearly eight miles, from Springwells in Detroit to Northline in Southgate — forcing drivers to find alternate routes to reach destinations Downriver.

The southbound stretch from I-96 to Outer Drive remains closed through November 2018, when the entire project is expected to be completed. 

Northbound I-75 has always been opened but lane closures will continue while work is being completed on the Rouge River Bridge, MDOT said.  The $220 million effort to replace the concrete surface on the Rouge River bridge, fix road surfaces and replace or repair spans launched in early 2017.

For full details into the project and for updates, go to 75RougeRiver.com.