OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Fire chiefs from three Oakland County departments issued an urgent warning about dangerous conditions along a 15-mile stretch of I-75 under construction between Grand Blanc and Independence Township, calling the situation a “public safety crisis.”
According to Springfield Township Fire Chief Matt Covey, the $160 million MDOT infrastructure project, particularly affecting southbound lanes, has created hazardous conditions that have severely affected emergency response times.
“Even a small fender bender is a disaster waiting to happen,” Covey said.
Covey said the construction zone’s design has left first responders with limited options for reaching emergencies. A recent fatal multi-vehicle crash near Grange Hall Road underscored these concerns when emergency units faced significant delays accessing the scene.
--> Man exits car following crash on I-75, then struck by 2 passing vehicles
“Any little upset in the balance causes catastrophic results,” said North Oakland County Fire Authority Chief Matt Weil.
Frustrated drivers seeking alternative routes have also flooded local and secondary roads, creating new safety hazards in residential areas and along rural routes not designed for heavy traffic flow.
Just last week, a driver survived a fiery crash just off the Grange Hall Road exit.
--> Fiery crash prompts safety warning from fire officials in North Oakland County
MDOT Responds to Safety Concerns
MDOT acknowledged the safety issues in a statement saying, “MDOT is committed to work zone safety for everyone. MDOT has met with first responders numerous times to discuss emergency access and strategies to improve access throughout the work zone.”
MDOT is currently working on several initiatives:
- Considering four-way stops at the I-75 and Grange Hall interchange ramps to optimize traffic control.
- Working with GPS navigation providers to show ONLY approved detour routes and avoid heavier traffic volumes on local roads.
- Adding temporary traffic control adjustments to M-15 to improve access to I-75.
A spokesperson with MDOT added, “as a result of collaboration with emergency responders, MDOT has included emergency pull-offs, constructed an additional temporary freeway off ramp to Grange Hall Road, maintained maintenance turnarounds throughout the project, improved mile marker signage on I-75, added temporary signing on local roads to ease congestion on non-approved detour routes and revised traffic controls at the M-15 and I-75 interchange to improve local access to the freeway.”
Click here to learn more about the project scheduled to continue through November.
Safety Recommendations for Drivers:
The fire chiefs offered several critical safety recommendations:
- Avoid this section of I-75 when possible
- Drive with extreme caution if travel through the construction zone is necessary
- Remain in your vehicle if involved in a crash, when safe to do so, and call 911
“Listen to us. Slow down. Drive smart,” Covey said.
