MDOT construction staff updated the Oak Park City Council on the second phase of the I‑696 reconstruction and a weekend traffic switch that moved westbound traffic onto the newly finished eastbound pavement.

Al Bacon, assistant construction engineer for the project, said crews completed striping and crossovers and that westbound traffic now travels on the finished eastbound lanes. Bacon said the overall project runs from 2025 through 2027, with the bulk of work and the greatest public impact scheduled through 2026. He estimated most bridge closures will be completed within 30–60 days of closure and advised that Church Street/Victoria Park reconstruction will be under way through 2026 with a majority of park elements expected by late 2026 and final elements possibly into early 2027.

Bacon addressed local access concerns during council questions, confirming that the Woodward and Southfield on/off ramps to westbound traffic are available but that several Oak Park exits will be closed for the duration of the westbound work. He said motorists can travel through the corridor but may not be able to get on or off at certain exits.

On project timing, Bacon said contractors are subject to substantial penalties if they miss contract completion dates—a $100,000 daily fine after the contract date—but the contracts do not include incentives for finishing early. City manager Eric Tungate asked what else the city could do to help public outreach; MDOT offered to share detailed monthly bridge schedules, slideshow material for neighborhoods, and to route questions to the project ombudsman, Brian Morley (Great Lakes Engineering). MDOT provided a project phone ((248) 930‑1777), the project website (drivingoakland.com, Restore the Roofer Phase 2 tab), the statewide MiDrive lane closure site, and a project email and Twitter handle for updates.

Bacon also confirmed that several soundwall and brick repairs (six areas identified) are included in the project scope and scheduled for late 2026 into 2027.

Council did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said MDOT will provide more targeted schedule information for individual crossovers and bridges on a month‑to‑month basis.