The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) plans to complete more than $55 million worth of road improvements during the 2015 road construction season, ranging from road widenings and gravel road paving to resurfacing projects, bridge maintenance and culvert replacements and repairs.
“Despite dwindling funds, we continue to improve roads throughout the county,” stated RCOC Chairman Ron Fowkes. “Oakland County has nearly $600 million in road needs. However, we continue to press forward and appreciate the local communities that are helping to fund many of these projects.”
RCOC Vice Chairman Eric Wilson agreed. “We know there are many roads that need to be addressed in the county, many are selected for improvement based on pavement condition and traffic volume,” he noted. The public wants every road repaired, so we appreciate their patience as we strive to improve the road system. The unfortunate reality is we have more roads in poor versus good condition. Funding challenges are our biggest issues. There is no stone left unturned in our effort to seek more road dollars.”
RCOC Commissioner Greg Jamian added that this more than $55 million investment in the transportation infrastructure will help to ensure that Oakland County remains a great place to live and do business. “Good roads impact quality of life and help to engender a positive business environment,” he said.
“We are committed to both of those.”
A few projects of note:
– Widen and resurface Tienken Road from the Paint Creek Trail to Rochester Road in Rochester Hills,
– Construct a roundabout at the Orchard Lake/14 Mile intersection and reconstruct roads around the Orchard Lake/14 Mile/Northwestern Highway “triangle” on the West Bloomfield Township/Farmington Hills border,
– Major resurfacing of Milford Road, Pontiac Trail to Milford Village limits in Milford Township,
– Major resurfacing of Lasher Road, 13 Mile to Maple Road, Bloomfield Township and Beverly Hills,
– Major resurfacing of Tienken Road between Adams and Livernois roads in Rochester Hills,
– Concrete slab replacement at the Greenfield/10 Mile intersection on the Southfield/Oak Park border,
– Heavy maintenance and repairs on seven bridges and
– Improve the Sashabaw Road/Waldon Road intersection and the Sashabaw/I-75 interchange in Independence Township through a partnership of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Independence Township and RCOC. The project includes new northbound I-75 ramp onto Sashabaw and new lane configurations with dual left turn lanes at the Sashabaw/Waldon Road intersection. Traffic light upgrades are planned as well. The total project cost is $4.1 million; however, the RCOC share is $700,000.
The majority of projects planned for 2015 will be paid for primarily with federal funds and the Tri-Party Program (a cooperative effort between Oakland County general government, RCOC and the cities, villages and township of Oakland County).
Work will start on some projects as early as late March. Others will start at various points throughout the construction season.
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