The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in the US has awarded a contract to a design-build team led by Walsh-Toebe to start work on the second segment of the $224m I-75 modernisation project in Oakland County.

Scheduled to become operational in 2023, the project includes reconstruction of eight miles of pavement, replacing 18 structures, upgrading drainage, and building community-designed noise barriers.

The contract also includes construction of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes between Coolidge Highway and 13 Mile Road.

“The complete I-75 modernisation project involves rebuilding approximately 18 miles of pavement, replacing bridges, constructing HOV lanes, and bringing the freeway up to current design standards.”

Preliminary work on the project is scheduled to start later this year, with rebuilding work slated to finish next year and in 2020.

The complete I-75 modernisation project involves rebuilding approximately 18 miles of pavement, replacing bridges, constructing HOV lanes, and bringing the freeway up to current design standards from north of M-102 (Eight Mile Road) to South Boulevard.

MDOT said that two lanes of the I-75 will remain open in each direction during construction through traffic shifts.

Additional details pertaining to the timing of bridge work, impact on ramps and interchanges, and overall maintenance of the traffic schedule will be announced as the project progresses.

The first phase of the I-75 modernisation project concluded last year from north of Coolidge Highway to north of South Boulevard.

The third phase will include work between Eight Mile Road and 13 Mile Road. It is scheduled to commence next year with expected completion by 2023.