Woodward at 12 Mile Project to Begin This Week

Work is to begin this week on Woodward Avenue at 12 Mile Road on a $400,000 project that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) says is intended to improve pedestrian safety in Royal Oak and Berkley.

MDOT said construction is expected to be completed in mid-September and include:

• widening the existing median
• upgrading sidewalk ramps at curbs to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
• installing new pedestrian countdown signals at the intersection
• shortening the entrances to "Michigan Left" turn lanes in order to widen the existing median.

During construction, motorists should expect the following restrictions:

• While the entrances to "Michigan Left" turn lanes may be closed at anytime, the "Michigan Left" turn lanes themselves will remain open.
• Woodward and 12 Mile single-lane closures may occur at any time, but multiple lane closures will be limited to off-peak hours on weekdays and any time on weekends.
• All lanes on Woodward and 12 Mile will be open for the Woodward Dream Cruise, beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 17, and ending at 9 a.m. Aug. 22.

12 Mile to be resurfaced

Also coming this summer: 12 Mile Road will be resurfaced from Woodward east to Main Street, including public sidewalk ADA ramp improvements, replacement of deteriorated curb and replacement of public sidewalk adjacent to deteriorated curb, the city engineer said.

According to a letter from City Engineer Elden Danielson to the City Commission, the improvements along 12 Mile will be funded with federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds.  The funds will pay for 81.85 percent of participating project costs up to a maximum amount of $1,408,900.00.   The Major Street Fund will pay $326,200.