Travel wasn't pretty this weekend on Interstate 96 and MDOT says it's about to get uglier, thanks to a major project between Howell and Williamston.
Traffic was at a standstill in that area Saturday and Sunday. Backups stretched for miles.
"We have road repair that we're doing along with bridge repair over several local bodies of water," Kari Arend, with MDOT said. "So to do that work, we will need to come in and do about ten weekends of around the clock lane closures."
Drivers got a taste of number one this weekend. The closures will impact both east and westbound traffic from M-59 to the Williamston Road exit.
"The lane closures will vary somewhat in length and distance, but just to know between those two areas you will see a lot of orange cones on weekends and backups," Arend added.
Law enforcement will be keeping a close eye on the work zone. Enforcement efforts will target speeders and careless drivers.
Trooper Marco Jones says State Police saw a lot of dangerous behavoir this weekend, particularly when lanes dropped from two to one.
"Even if you're just trying to jump ahead four or five cars please don't race ahead because it creates a quarrying effect and trying to get ahead could be hazardous," he said.
It could also land you a costly ticket. Fines double in work zones.
MDOT is asking drivers to be patient on 96.
"We understand that travel times are busy out there," Arend said. "But travel times are a little bit less on weekends so that's why we picked Friday night through early Monday morning for those round the clock closures.
The agency says your best bet is to find another route.
Weekend construction work will only happen on non-holiday weekends, according to MDOT. You can find a full list of closures and delays on the agency's website.
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