$6 million approved for Hamlin project

More than $6 million in purchase agreements for construction and engineering services for the reconstruction of Hamlin Road between Old Adams Road and the western border of the city was approved by Rochester Hills City Council members on Monday, May 22. Dubbed the Hamlin Road Rehabilitation Project, the project is set to begin in June and open to traffic in late August, with a completion date in late October of 2018. The work includes drainage adjustments and reconstruction; installment of drains; placement of aggregate base for roads and drives; concrete pavement removal and replacement; restoration; and other miscellaneous work. At their meeting, council unanimously approved a contract with Dan's Excavating of Shelby Township, for $5,452,768 for the construction work. The contract was the lowest of four bids received for the project. Council also unanimously approved a $451,792 engineering contract with Nowak and Fraus Engineers of Pontiac. Rochester Hills Director of Public Services Allan Schneck said the contracted services are needed as the city's doesn't have adequate staff to undertake the project itself. Schneck made the comment after a question from a member of the public about advantages of contracted services versus hiring additional staff. Schneck said contracted services are typical when larger projects require the addition of multiple workers or engineers for projects which require multiple skill sets and training. The project also includes work on Hamlin Road west of the city's border in Auburn Hills. Funding for the work will be shared among the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills. Rochester Hills also will receive funding from the Local Development Finance Authority Board, which will contribute 75 percent of the remaining 50 percent share on Rochester Hills' behalf, up to $2 million. Following completion of the project, the city is expected to obtain ownership of the roadway where the project work is scheduled.