Novi Road officially reopens to traffic
Nov. 28, 2011
 
NOVI, MI - Officials with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) and the City of Novi on Wednesday, Nov. 23, jointly marked the substantial completion of the widening of Novi Road between 10 Mile Road and Grand River Ave. with a ribbon-cutting and bridge-walk ceremony.

The $25 million project included widening the formerly two-lane road to five lanes, including a continuous center left-turn lane, and the construction of a bridge over the CSX Railroad tracks that cross the road.

While some minor work continues on the project, the majority of the construction is complete, and three lanes are now open to traffic. RCOC expects all lanes to be open by early December.

“This project was a long time coming,” stated RCOC Chairman Eric S. Wilson. “The project was a high priority for the Road Commission for many years, and it took a long time to attain the funding to make this project possible. We’re extremely pleased that this important road has been widened and the bridge constructed over the railroad tracks. This will greatly improve safety and mobility in the area.”

Novi Mayor Bob Gatt concurred. “Novi Road is a one of the major thoroughfares in our community and a vital economic link for businesses, not only along this stretch of the roadway, but to the north and south as well,” Gatt said. “Many thanks to all Novi community members, businesses and visitors for your patience during the past seven months of construction. And, thank you to our partners at the Road Commission and project contractor Dan’s Excavating for their timely completion of this project.”

Work on the project began in late 2010 with utility service relocation. Major construction got underway in earnest in April of this year. The road had been closed since May.

RCOC Board Vice-Chairman Greg Jamian explained the benefits of the project. “The elimination of the railroad crossing and the addition of the center left-turn lane,” he stated, “as well as the additional through lanes will make this section of Novi Road much safer and less congested as well as eliminate the delays caused by trains.”

RCOC Board Member Ron Fowkes added that elimination of railroad crossings on busy roads is a high priority for RCOC. “Safety is the No. 1 priority for the Road Commission, and eliminating an at-grade railroad crossing is a tremendous safety enhancement,” he said. Eighty percent of the cost of the project was paid for with a Michigan Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grant (a combination of state and federal funds). The remaining 20 percent is being split between RCOC and the City of Novi.