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Traffic Alert: Southfield Freeway Closed

WAYNE COUNTY (WWJ) - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding drivers that northbound and southbound M-39, the Southfield Freeway, is now fully closed between M-10, the Lodge Freeway, and M-5 Grand River Avenue, and is expected to reopen in late October.

Traffic will be detoured to US-24 Telegraph Road during the closure.

The extended M-39 closure is required to complete the freeway pavement reconstruction between McNichols Road and M-10. In addition, crews will make extensive repairs to 24 overpasses, replace freeway lighting and drainage, and construct new screen walls that separate the freeway from the service drive on portions of the 14-mile long freeway.

"After extensive traffic simulation analysis and discussion with the community, a full freeway closure was the preferred option to ensure all work is completed in 2011," Metro Region Engineer Tony Kratofil said in a release.

While the posted detour is Telegraph Road, MDOT encourages motorists to use one of the many available local detour routes that best fits their commute. However, commercial traffic will be required to use Telegraph Road.

In order to assist the motoring public, MDOT has launched the M-39 project website. The site contains maps, a dedicated e-mail address for the project and other related information. In addition, a video providing project details and timelines, "M-39 (Southfield Freeway) - Project Overview," is now playing at www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.

For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent traffic incidents now by visiting our Traffic Page.

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