Triparty funds offset Cranbrook Road repaving

By Lisa Brody

A planned resurfacing project for 2021 for Cranbrook Road will have its costs shared between the Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC), Bloomfield Township and the city of Birmingham, part of a tri-party cost agreement Bloomfield Township trustees were happy to learn of and unanimously approved at their meeting on Monday, January 11.

Director of Public Works Noah Mehalski explained RCOC is planning to resurface Cranbrook Road between Maple and Fourteen Mile roads next construction season, which will include removing the existing paved surface, followed by the application of three inches of new asphalt on the 1.2 miles of road. It will also include concrete curb and gutter repair, Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalks and ramp improvements, pavement markings, traffic signal modernization and additional improvement and resurfacing of a small portion of Maple Road between Cranbrook and Glengarry.

Costs are projected at $1.4 million, with RCOC covering 50 percent of the costs, and Bloomfield Township and Birmingham each contributing 25 percent.

Mihalski said Bloomfield Township's portion of the costs for the Cranbrook Road portion is estimated at $310,935.

There will be a traffic signal upgrade at Cranbrook Road and Midvale Street, which is estimated to cost $95,558, Mihalski said, to be split four ways, as Birmingham Public Schools will also participate in paying.

“It's a great value for the residents,” said trustee Neal Barnett.

“It's sorely needed and I'm sure it will be very appreciated when it's done,” treasurer Brian Kepes said.