The Wixom Road/I-96 Interchange has remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1957 and the need for replacement can not be questioned. Originally considered a “companion” of the Beck Road Interchange project, Wixom Road was deferred from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Five Year Plan as was the Beck Road Project. After intense lobbying efforts by Wixom representatives and others, Beck Road was returned to an active project status and, as of October 2005 completed and open to traffic. However the Wixom Road interchange with I-96 remained a deferred project.

Upon notification that the Beck Road Project would resume, Wixom officials and others, including Local 36 of the United Auto Workers, began employing the same lobbying techniques that were successful with Beck Road/I-96 Interchange Project. On November 17, 2005 Governor Jennifer Granholm announced her “Greenlight Projects” plan which reinstated the Wixom Road/I-96 Interchange Project. Design is scheduled to begin in 2006 with construction in 2007.

The Wixom/I-96 Interchange is key to supporting economic development in this region and is paramount to retaining Michigan jobs. Governor Granholm and MDOT Director Gloria Jeff are to be thanked for their recognition of the importance of this project.

City officials, County Commissioner Jeff Potter, UAW Local 36, State Senator Nancy Cassis and Speaker of the House Craig DeRoche have been unstinting in their advocacy of this project and have the gratitude of many for their hard work.