Get ready to pump the brakes, commuters. Starting Monday, a significant roadway overhaul is set to slow down drivers in Oakland County and Wayne County with two separate projects on Southfield Road and the Southfield Freeway, respectively. According to WWJ Newsradio, the Road Commission for Oakland County has announced that resurfacing work on a mile-long section of Southfield Road, between 11 Mile and 12 Mile roads, will commence, reducing traffic to a single lane in both directions.

In Wayne County, the Southfield Freeway won't be spared from the traffic tangles. Starting the same day, a 15.5 million dollar MDOT project will stretch nearly five miles, causing single-lane closures during weekdays and double-lane closures overnight and weekends. Despite the potential traffic nightmare, MDOT promises, "at least one lane will always be open," as reported by FOX 2 Detroit.

Ramp closures are also on the itinerary. Drivers should anticipate periodic shutdowns from I-94 to Ford Road as workers move along the Southfield Freeway's stretch. Craig Bryson from the Road Commission alerting commuters to these developments suggests detours via either Evergreen Road or Greenfield Road to avoid delays. Along with the resurfacing on Southfield Road in Oakland County, this project includes enhancements to several SMART bus stops with potential new amenities, said Bryson. Both projects are expected to be completed by fall.

And for those who consider the freeway as their swifter route, think again. Crews will be swarming both the right and left lanes, starting with the right ones, including the ramps and the service drives near major interchanges such as I-94 and US-12 (Michigan Avenue). This strategic move will give way to ramp closures which are to be announced in advance. Bryson reinforced the sentiment that the temporary inconvenience from the Southfield Road project will eventually give way to smoother travel. "It'll be a nice, new, smooth asphalt surface on the road between 11 and 12 Mile Road," he said, per WWJ Newsradio.

To cause minimal disruption to the daily grind, both road works signify a necessary upheaval for the long-term benefit of a more reliable and safe driving experience. Motorists are advised to keep tabs on these constructions, plan, and pack patience for their commutes come Monday and the months to follow.