Politics & Government
Public Hearing Dec. 11 for Proposed Baldwin Widening
The project seeks to address safety, traffic congestion and growth.
After several years of study and several rounds of public meetings, the Road Commission for Oakland County is ready to unveil its preferred design for the widening of Baldwin Road from Morgan to Waldon in Orion Township.
This preferred alternative calls for Baldwin to be widened to a standard four-lane boulevard from Morgan to Judah, to five lanes from Judah to Gregory, to a narrow-median four-lane boulevard between Gregory and Maybee and back to a standard four-lane boulevard from Maybee to Waldon. It includes roundabouts at the intersections with Waldon, Maybee, Gregory, Judah and the entrance to the Great Lakes Athletic Club.
The road commission, in partnership with Orion Township, will conduct an open-house-style public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 11 to receive input on the design. The meeting will take place 4-7 p.m. at the Orion Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Road. Preliminary project plans will be available for review and road-commission staff will be available to provide information and answer questions.
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An extensive environmental assessment process has already taken place to consider the cost, benefits and impacts of several alternative designs. The report is available at the township hall, the library and at rcocweb.org on the publications page.
According to the report, the roadway will be shifted to the west of the existing road from Morgan to Gingell Court. The road right of way currently varies from 66 to 150 feet wide; the expansion will require 120-180 feet of width. Right of way acquisition has an estimated cost of $1,365,000, most of which will come from federal funds. This phase is included in the road commission’s 2012-13 budget.
Find out what's happening in Oakland Township-Lake Orionwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Construction is estimated at nearly $46 million, including utility relocation, engineering and design. Since funding has yet to be identified, no time frame has been established for construction. It could be done all at once or in phases, depending on funding.
Anyone wishing to comment on the project or the EA who cannot attend the hearing may send written comments to Road Commission for Oakland County, Planning & Environmental Concerns Dept., 31001 Lahser Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025 or dcsmail@rcoc.org.
