Metro Detroit drivers are dealing with a traffic headache during the Wednesday evening commute as downed power lines have caused I-696 to close in both directions near the Detroit Zoo.
The eastbound lanes of the freeway are closed at Woodward Avenue, while the westbound lanes are closed at Bermuda.
“Workers are continuing to repair the poles and getting the wires up and off the freeway. As of now, and if everything goes right, we are still looking at 1 to 2 more hours till the freeway reopens.”
i 696 Accident Today Updates
UPDATE: Michigan State Police have now reopened both sides of I-696 in Royal Oak after it was closed nearly six hours. The wires have been removed and the freeway is now back open.
Latest Updates by MDot
696 Freeway Shut Down
The freeway was closed at Bermuda Street near Exit 17 in Royal Oak, backing traffic up for miles as police attempted to redirect the rush hour motorists.
Michigan State Police tweeted that although a downed line damaged a vehicle, there were no injuries.
“Troopers located the down power line across all lanes of traffic. E/B I 696 freeway is closed at Woodward Ave and W/B I 696 is closed at Bermuda St. Both W/B I 696 ramps from N/B and S/B I 75 are also closed. One vehicle was struck by the down power line, which caused damage to the vehicle, but no injuries were reported. DTE is currently in route to the scene to assist with the power line.”
MSP expects the freeway to be reopened by 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. it tweeted at 9:30.
Is 696 Closed in Detroit, Michigan?
No, The services has been restored by MS Police as confirmed by the MDOT. The 696 is now completely operation after being closed for several hours.
A crash has led to down powerlines, causing the closure of all lanes of I-696 at Bermuda and at Woodward in Oakland County.
One car was struck by the down power line, which caused damage to the vehicle but no injuries were reported.
DTE is in route to the scene to assists.
Police are investigating, but all lanes are closed.
MDOT shared information regarding the closure on Twitter at 5:22 p.m. on Thursday.
Traffic Accident Crash on 696 Today Eastbound
Eastbound traffic is backed up from just after Southfield Road, while traffic is slow back to Dequindre on the other side.
Traffic Reporter Scott Ryan says the alternate route is 10 Mile Road, but for drivers who are not already in the backup, it’s probably easier to take 8 Mile or 12 Mile.
Michigan State Police officials say one vehicle was hit by the down power line, which caused damage to the vehicle, but no injuries were reported.
Authorities have not said what caused the power lines to come down. MSP officials said shortly after 7:30 p.m. DTE Energy crews were en route to the scene. Officials have not given word on when the freeway may reopen.
696 Traffic Accident Today Video
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