Oakland County Responders Warn Public Safety Crisis on I-75 Amid Construction

A 15-mile stretch of I-75 in Oakland County, Michigan, undergoing a $160 million MDOT construction project, has become a significant public safety concern due to hazardous conditions and increased serious accidents, including recent fatalities. First responders from Springfield Township, North Oakland County Fire Authority, and Groveland Township report that limited emergency access, blocked shoulders, and traffic congestion are causing dangerous delays, potentially impacting critical response times for medical emergencies. Drivers have been urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid the stretch if possible, and remain in their vehicles if involved in crashes, as reckless behavior and high speeds have exacerbated the risks. MDOT is collaborating with emergency services and implementing measures such as four-way stops at key interchanges, improved signage, temporary traffic controls, and coordination with GPS providers to direct traffic onto approved detours. The situation has also led to increased traffic on secondary roads not designed for heavy volumes, creating additional safety hazards in residential and rural areas. Fire chiefs emphasize the urgent need for driver compliance with safety measures to prevent further tragedies and improve emergency response efficiency.