Southfield (WWJ)  -- Thousands of drivers were late Tuesday morning and they can blame road construction.  

Eastbound I-96 was closed overnight for bridge work between Milford Road and Beck Road, but instead of being done at 5 a.m. as planned, the freeway remained closed until 7 a.m.  Backups were reported for several miles to US 23 and Brighton.

Drivers were urged to take M-59 if they were headed to the northern suburbs.   M-14 was the best alternate for those heading to Detroit or southern Wayne County.   Another alternate,  Grand River, was jammed with some drivers waiting up to an hour to go three miles.

The Michigan Department of Transportation said later Tuesday morning there would be no full freeway closure, instead single and double lanes closures were planned as crews continued bridge demolition at Wixom Road.  

MDOT spokesman Rob Morosi said Tuesday evening the contractor will likely face fines.  Morosi added the problem appeared to be a time management issue.  Cleanup took more time than expected.

Tuesday and Wednesday night a single lane of I-96, in both directions, will begin at 8 p.m. and then double lane closures are planned from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.

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