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We've all been there. You're driving along, probably late for an appointment, when you turn a corner and see the bright orange cones and a long line of cars.

A cold sweat slicks your palms. You clutch the steering wheel tighter and the pit of your stomach roils as you realize you've found yourself in yet another construction-related traffic jam.

Scenes like this have become more than everyday occurrences in the Attleboro area as new construction projects pop up, tearing up a roadway and driving motorists crazy.

"There's a lot of work going on, there's a lot out there," said John Clover, Attleboro's public works superintendent.

And he isn't kidding. In Attleboro alone, there are several projects tying up traffic throughout the city.

Work is continuing at the intersection of Route 152 and Toner Boulevard, where the state Highway Department is completing a $2.9 million project to improve traffic flow.

Construction crews have closed lanes while they do their work, leading to heavy congestion, particularly during commuter hours when many motorists use the intersection to hook up with Interstate 95.

MassHighway is also in the midst of a massive repaving project on I-95 from the Rhode Island border to Foxboro, with lane closures and night work conspiring to frustrate motorists. Sections of the roadway have been torn up on both the northbound and southbound sides of the interstate, leading to delays in both directions.

MassHighway spokesman Adam Hurtubise says the bump in road projects is part of an ongoing effort from the administration of Gov. Deval Patrick to bring the state's roads and bridges back up to code.

"There were decades of neglect on our roads and bridges," he said.

Hurtubise added that the timing of the projects coincides with rising temperatures, which make the work go much smoother.

"Many of these projects are weather-dependent, and you need warm weather," he said.

City drivers have also been hassled by the sudden closing of the Olive Street Bridge in March for safety reasons. The bridge was used heavily, especially during commuter hours as a cut-through between routes 123 and 152.

In addition to the state projects, the city also has plenty on its docket for the coming months, including work planned for Park Street, Higland Avenue and May Street. A water main project will disrupt South Attleboro beginning Tuesday, with work scheduled to begin on Route 1A. Later in the month, Orr Street will be affected, and next month, West Street will be torn up.

Ongoing work affecting South Attleboro includes reconstruction of a major railroad bridge on lower County Street and reconstruction of another railroad bridge near the South Attleboro train station on Route 1A.

While he admitted the projects can wreak havoc on motorists, Clover said they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the roadways in the future.

"These are long-term improvements," he said.

North Attleboro is planning in August to repair the Fisher Street Bridge, which has been closed since May.

The town also will replace a water main on Hoppin Hill Road this summer. Hoppin Hill will be shut down during the construction because it is easy to detour traffic around the area, said Bill McDowell, the public works project manager.

The town will also have paving projects on High Street and Landry Avenue, McDowell said.

Traffic continues to tie up Route 123 in Norton where a seemingly endless water, drainage and paving project marches on. The project, coupled with a down economy, has cut into the business of shops along the roadway.

The end may be in sight, however. The state-run project is scheduled to wrap up this fall, but the extent of repaving on that lengthy stretch of road is in question.

In Mansfield, work continues on the railroad overpass on Chauncy Street (Route 106), tying up traffic, particularly during commuter hours when trains stop at the nearby station. The $5 million dollar project, being paid for and completed by the state, has shut down two lanes of the major road.

While town projects are currently in a lull, town Highway Operations Manager Mark Cook said they will pick up again by the end of the month.

Work areas will include West Street from Tremont Street to the North Attleboro line, Oak Street, Plain Street, Reservoir Street and Bungay Road.

The town recently completed paving projects on Mansfield Avenue and Chauncy Street.

Last month, Foxboro selectmen gave the go-ahead for more than $500,000 in town road projects aimed at repairing damage caused by the harsh winter.

Highway Superintendent Robert Swanson proposed to do pavement work on the full length of Winter Street and on sections of Baker Street, Cedar Street (Route 106), Morse Street, Edwards Road and Young Road.

With all this construction going on, AAA of Southern New England is warning drivers to pay close attention when driving through work zones, as the risk of hitting workers or equipment is greatly heightened.

"The main thing is to really slow down and pay attention," AAA spokeswoman Mary Maguire said. "You really have a lot of unknown factors and variables."

With that advice in hand, area motorists would be well-suited to give themselves extra time when heading out this summer.

Oh, and bringing a couple good luck charms might not hurt, either.