WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) -- Northlake Boulevard and Beeline Highway reopened early Saturday, on schedule and just in time for the first day of school.

On the night of August 1, workers blocked off Northlake Boulevard - one of the county's busiest roads - at the CSX railroad crossing, near Beeline Highway.

Early estimates by officials said the project would last 8 days, with a deadline of finishing the project before August 11, when students return to school.

See also: Excess lint sparks backyard laundry room blaze in West Palm Beach

The road shutdown caused a citywide slowdown, with detours for many commuters stretching past an hour and making a six-mile commute to Military Trail into a 35-mile commute.

For weeks ahead of the closure, city officials urged residents to stay home for days straight or check into a hotel.

The reopening restored normal traffic flow, ensuring a smooth start to the school year.