I-96 Overpass To Be Demolished Today After Damage From Collision

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BRIGHTON (WWJ) - The Michigan Department of Transportation is making quick work after a flatbed truck carrying a crane hit an overpass on I-96 near Brighton Wednesday evening.

MDOT says the Pleasant Valley Road bridge was damaged so badly in the collision that the structure must be removed before eastbound I-96 can safely reopen to traffic.

Demolition began Thursday afternoon.

All lanes of eastbound I-96, just east of US-23, were closed starting at 3 p.m. Thursday and will remain closed until demolition and clean up is complete. A detour will be set up when eastbound I-96 is closed that directs motorists to Spencer Road, Old US-23, and Grand River Avenue.

In addition, a single lane was closed on westbound I-96, east of Pleasant Valley Road, starting at around 1 p.m. Thursday. A second lane on westbound I-96 will be closed starting at approximately 7 p.m.

All traffic is expected to reopen, including eastbound I-96, by 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29.

MDOT says Pleasant Valley Road over I-96 will remain closed for approximately six months until a new bridge can be built.

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