Heavy Equipment Ready to Replace the Orion Road Bridge starting June 23 – photo by Michael Dwyer
Orion Road Bridge to Close
Orion Road will be closed just north of Snell Road to replace the bridge over Paint Creek in the heart of Oakland Township. Starting June 23, the closure will last to approximately August 15 with the complete project wrapping up by September 12. More than 7,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day.
The official detour route during the closure will be Rochester Road to Stoney Creek Road and to Orion Road going north and the reverse to head south. However, local residents may find alternatives to that route.
The Orion Road Bridge crosses Paint Creek just north of Snell Road – photo by Michael Dwyer
New and Improved
The existing bridge, built in 1922, will be completely demolished and rebuilt at a cost of 1.92 million dollars. The new, modern structure will include reconstructing the approaches, replacing the curbs, gutters and guardrails. Drainage will also be improved.
A 10-foot-wide pedestrian path will be constructed on the west side of the bridge to accommodate future path connections. Stabilization of the stream bank will also be included near the bridge.
Ninety-five percent of the project cost will be funded through a Michigan Local Bridge Program grant, which includes both state and federal money. The Road Commission for Oakland County and Oakland Township will pay for the remainder. The work has been contracted with the Shelby Township company, Z Contractors.
Orion Road Bridge will be closed until mid August – photo by Michael Dwyer
Road Resurfacing to Accompany Project
In late July, two sections of Orion Road between the Village of Lake Orion and Rochester Road in Rochester Hills will be resurfaced. The first section to be resurfaced will run from Flint Street in the Village of Lake Orion to Adams Road in Oakland Township. The second section to be resurfaced runs from Snell Road in Oakland Township to Rochester Road in Rochester Hills.
The sections of road under construction for the resurfacing project will remain open to two-way traffic at all times, though the road will be reduced to one lane at times, with traffic directed by flaggers.
