Traffic trouble in Oakland County after gravel hauler crashes into sign over I-96

(WWJ) Drivers encountered some big backups on I-96 in Oakland County on Thursday, due to an unexpected closure.

Just before 7 a.m., WWJ Newsradio 950's Jon Hewett reports a gravel hauler — with its bed slightly elevated — hit a newly-installed electronic sign over the freeway.

This was just east of Beck Road on the eastbound freeway; although there were lane closures slowing things down in both directions as a result of this crash.

"The good news: no other vehicles involved, no serious injuries," Hewett said. "But a large inconvenience for commuters today."

Later in the morning, crews got to work on the scene, in the Wixom/Novi area, using a pair of cranes to re-secure the support structure for the signs.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) said it worked quickly to get the situation rectified, so the freeway could be fully reopened before the start of the afternoon commute.

As of 11:30 a.m., eastbound drivers were being forced off the freeway at Beck, then taking Grand River Ave. or 12 Mile Road to Novi. On the westbound side, the WWJ Traffic Center was reporting backups to Orchard Lake.

At around 12:30 p.m., all lanes of the freeway on both directions had been reopened to traffic.

The bad news is, the damage to two gantry signs — which are electronic signs for lane management and closures — was worse than MDOT initially thought.

MDOT spokesman Brian Murphy said two signs had to be taken down, and it appears that both will have to be replaced.

"We had to pull it all the way down just to make sure it was structurally safe," Murphy added. "The foundation might also be damaged, but the specialist from Lansing will come down and check on it."

Meanwhile, construction on I-96 in this area, which has been happening for close to two years, is ongoing.

Stay with WWJ for updates on this situation during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. >>LISTEN LIVE!!