Last Minute Orange Barrels Popping Up like Mushrooms in Royal Oak

Driving down 11 Mile Road, I've noticed a huge proliferation of orange barrels near the I-75/11 Mile Road interchange. The eastbound lanes were completely blocked.

What the hell? It's the middle of November; don't they know about snow? Last week, more than 12 inches of it fell in the Twin Cities area; its usual course includes floating over most of Michigan.

Eleven Mile is not the only place I've noticed road crews scampering around, making hay before the snow flies. Orange barrels have been spotted on 12 Mile Road, on Woodward near I-696, and even on small neighborhood side streets where new curbs are going in.

Short-range construction crews are hard to track. The cones could go up one day and be down the next, stay in place for weeks or months, or appear where least expected. Drivers are cautioned to be alert and prepared for two lanes to be reduced to one or to be completely blocked.

After construction season ends, we'll be left to deal with the pains of snow removal. Every day is an adventure in Royal Oak.