Novi I-96 Reopens After Gravel Truck Accident Leads to Hours of Detours

Novi Sees Closure on I-96 After Truck Incident

NOVI — It was quite a scene on October 10 when a gravel truck made contact with a freeway sign on Interstate 96, leading to a significant closure that left local motorists detoured for hours. At around 10 a.m., the truck hauling gravel, operated by an MDOT contractor, struck one of the large overhead signs known as Flex signs. This incident managed to halt traffic in both directions on this busy stretch of the freeway for nearly five hours!

What Happened?

According to reports from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the driver was in the process of emptying the gravel when he lifted the trailer’s piston too high, causing the truck to collide with the gantry that holds the freeway signage. “One of our contractors driving a gravel hauler hit the overhead sign on the gantry,” explained Diane Cross, a spokesperson for the agency. “The freeway had to be closed to remove the very large sign using cranes.”

Immediate Aftermath

Once the accident occurred, it didn’t take long for authorities to react, closing eastbound I-96 near Beck Road to one lane initially. But shortly after that, both eastbound and westbound traffic faced full detours to facilitate the removal of the damaged sign. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., motorists were redirected as the crews worked diligently to clear the highway of spilled gravel and the broken sign.

Eastbound drivers were rerouted from Beck Road to Novi Road, while those heading west were diverted from Interstate 275 and Interstate 696 to Wixom Road. Additionally, the southbound M-5 ramp and the northbound I-275 ramps leading to I-96 were also closed for safety reasons. Thanks to the speedy response from both the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation, there was no reported harm to any vehicles or individuals involved in the incident.

No Injuries Reported

Fortunately, the quick actions of authorities ensured that no injuries occurred during this situation. Michigan State Police 1st Lt. Michael Shaw noted, “A semi driver had his trailer up and struck one of the electrical signs,” but emphasized that thankfully, no other vehicles were involved. This allowed them to keep the situation under control without causing any further chaos on the freeway.

What’s Next?

As for the damaged sign, the future remains a bit uncertain. Diane Cross indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding a replacement. “The decision on the replacement is still being determined,” she said, leaving many curious about how quickly the state can get things back to normal along this major thoroughfare.

Motorists Take Note

For local drivers, this incident serves as a reminder to stay alert and cautious, particularly in construction zones and areas where large vehicles are maneuvering. With constant changes in traffic patterns and road conditions, it’s always smart to check for updates on travel routes before heading out.

Although inconvenient, situations like these underscore the importance of quick-response teams and the infrastructure in place to manage accidents effectively. Until the affected area is fully cleared and operational again, drivers are encouraged to plan alternative routes and keep safety first in mind!