Orchard Lake Road improvements scheduled

Part of Orchard Lake Road is headed for a renovation, on a stretch just west of Middlebelt Road east to Old Telegraph Road.

The work is scheduled to start June 20 and be finished by early fall, but is weather-dependent.

This part of Orchard Lake Road goes through Sylvan Lake, West Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Township and Pontiac.

Drivers will find traffic reduced to a single lane in each direction.

Initially, traffic going both ways will be moved to the road’s north side, for the safety of work crews on the south side.

In Phase 2, traffic will be routed via the road’s south side while workers are busy on the north side.

This $2.1 million renovation is funded through the Tri-Party Program, with money coming from a federal road fund, a county road commission account, and from the county’s general fund.

The work involves removing and replacing the existing asphalt with three inches of fresh material; widening the fourlane section east of Middlebelt Road to five lanes, with a continuous center left-turn lane; and replacing some concrete slabs between Telegraph Road bridge and Old Telegraph.

The median island near Pontiac Drive will be removed and crews will repair curbs and gutters; upgrade storm sewers and drains as well as traffic signals.

Pedestrian crosswalks will be improved to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Drivers are urged to use caution when road workers are present. Fines for traffic violations are doubled in construction areas.

For project details, visit: http://rcocweb.org/608/Orchard-Lake-Road-Middlebelt-to-Old-Tele.