Westbound I-96 traffic moved onto newly rebuilt lanes Friday, Sept. 18, ending months of sharing the eastbound pavement at the M-14/I-275 interchange in Plymouth Township.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) shifted westbound I-96 traffic between Levan Road and I-275 to the rebuilt westbound lanes starting at 5 a.m., WXYZ 7 News Detroit reported. The Newburgh Road entrance ramp to westbound I-96 also reopened Friday.

Until Friday, both directions of I-96 had been squeezed onto the eastbound side of the freeway, with two lanes open in each direction. That setup pushed traffic into surrounding neighborhoods and onto Five Mile Road, according to WXYZ.

"It's mayhem, it's mayhem," Plymouth Township resident Cindy Handford told WXYZ, describing the traffic shifts and ramp closures at the interchange.

The lane switch is part of a two-year, $140 million project to rebuild M-14/I-96 between Sheldon Road and Newburgh Road in Plymouth Township and Livonia, according to CBS News Detroit. About 125,000 vehicles pass through the area each day, MDOT says.

The work includes rebuilding all ramps at the I-275 interchange, replacing freeway lighting and upgrading drainage systems. The 2025 construction phase focused on the eastbound lanes. This year's work targets the westbound lanes and the Metro Trail.

Construction disruptions have stretched back months. In March, MDOT closed ramps at the I-275 interchange on an emergency basis after potholes deteriorated so fast that motorists were getting flat tires. MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross said in March that the agency had to shut the ramps down.

Another Plymouth Township resident, Charlene, told WXYZ the project has cost drivers extra gas, extra time and extra money.

MDOT says the full project is expected to wrap up by the end of 2026 if all goes well. Dave Harris is the MDOT project manager. Residents can reach the project ombudsman at 248-996-2034 or email [email protected] with questions.