Earlier this month the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) released its updated project list for the 2006 road construction season. The list includes more than $54 million worth of road improvement projects, including $31 million of road widening throughout the county.
Road construction season starts as soon as weather permits, which is typically in mid-April and runs until weather prohibits further work, typically in mid-November.
But with the exception of a $2 million project in Groveland for repaving about a mile stretch of Groveland Road between Baron and Jossman roads most of the northern section of the county have been omitted from improvement projects.
The area road demise will be compounded this year due to a cut in road gravel projects implemented due to RCOC budget issues.
‘The big gravel projects have been cut,? said Neil Farner, maintenance supervisor for RCOC. ‘Each year we help the township with about $60,000 or about 5 miles of gravel for our primary roads. That project has been cut’it’s the first year for that. Money is tight.?
‘However, we’ll keep the roads graded and repaired.?
Farner said it requires about 16,000 tons of gravel per mile which currently cost about $7.50 per ton or about $12,000 per mile.
‘We’ve been told we’re not going to get gravel put on roads this year,? said Ron Lapp, Brandon Township supervisor. ‘The gravel keeps the base of the roads from deteriorating and with about 95 percent dirt roads it’s a big issue.?
Lapp said the township spends about $70,000 each year of township funding on roads but it’s just not enough.
‘Right now our roads are in good shape. But wait until next year or the year after, it’s only going to get worse.?
Bob DePalma, Groveland Township supervisor said our roads should be fine for a year.
‘We’re not in too bad of shape,? said DePalma. If it’s a couple of years without gravel it could be a real problem.?
The RCOC primary roads in Brandon Township include, Granger, Hadley and Sashabaw roads. Groveland Township primary roads include Baron, Groveland, Oakhill, and Wildwood roads. Brandon Township primary roads include.