The I-96 Reconstruction project near Livonia, MI, entailed closure of 7 miles (11 km) of the eight-lane freeway, six full-service interchanges, and on- and off-ramps. In addition to full-depth pavement reconstruction, a total of 37 bridges were either rehabilitated or replaced. New LED lighting was added to brighten the freeway and provide better visibility and energy efficiency. Work was completed in 5.5 months— approximately 4 weeks in advance of schedule.

Slag cement was used in concrete mixtures for the pavements and bridges. The pavement portion of the project used 42,000 tons (38,100 tonnes) of portland cement and 20,000 tons (18,100 tonnes) of slag cement. Over 30% slag cement was needed to provide mitigation of potential alkali-silica reaction (ASR) as required by the Michigan Department of Transportation (DOT) concrete specifications. This mixture met required flexural and compressive strengths. Use of slag cement resulted in a lighter appearance for enhanced nighttime visibility. The consistency and performance reliability of the mixture also contributed to rapid completion of the project.

Project credits: Michigan DOT, Owner; HNTB and Parsons & Brinckerhoff, Engineer; Dan’s Excavating, Inc., Contractor; Ajax Paving Industries, Concrete Supplier; and St Marys Cement, Slag Cement.