Southfield (WWJ)  -- Drivers who use I-96 to get into and out of downtown Detroit will run into a freeway closure beginning Monday morning. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation closed a one-mile section of I-96, in both directions.  The closure, which is expected to be in place until October, stretches from I-94 to Rosa Parks Boulevard in southwest Detroit.  Click here for the latest traffic information. 

Drivers can use a number of alternate routes including I-94 eastbound to southbound M-10, the Lodge Freeway, Michigan Avenue and Grand River.  Michigan Avenue has a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane and commuter bus service from SMART and the Detroit Department of Transportation.     

During the three-month I-96 closure, construction will focus on rebuilding a one-mile section of the freeway, adding storm drains and installing new lighting.  

The closure is part of the continuing work on the 170-million dollar Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project.  As part of the same project, I-75 is shutdown from Rosa Parks Blvd to Clark Street.  Click here for more on that closure.  

Crews have been making steady progress on rebuilding I-75, according to MDOT Metro Region Engineer Greg Johnson.

When complete in late 2009, the gateway project will provide a direct connection from the Ambassador Bridge to I-75, I-96, and other area freeways.  It will also improve safety by removing truck traffic from city streets near the bridge.    

Click here for more information and maps from MDOT.  

To hear the latest reports tune in to WWJ-AM 950 for traffic and weather together every ten minutes on the eights.