The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) will apply a “high-friction surface treatment” to improve traction on four significant road curves as it continues to be a leader in road safety.
This year’s applications include:
- Grange Hall Road east of Joann Road in Holly Township
- Elizabeth Lake Road from North Pinegrove to Hickory Lane in Waterford Township
- Cooley Lake Road from Fleet Street to Lake Vista Street in Waterford Township
- Cooley Lake Road from South Pinegrove to Lamothe in Waterford Township
The treatment on Grange Hall Road will be completed first, starting on Aug. 23. The treatment on Elizabeth Lake Road will be next, followed by the two segments of Cooley Lake Road. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August. However, the work is weather-dependent, and the schedule could change – the work can only be performed when the road surface is completely dry.
The technique provides a course, sandpaper-like surface designed to improve friction and reduce the likelihood of traffic running off the road. The process will begin with cleaning the road surface. An epoxy will then be applied followed by the application of small, coarse aggregate to the road’s surface.
The roads will remain open to traffic during the work though they will be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone areas. Motorists should expect delays.
The project cost is approximately $450,000 and is being funded through a federal safety grant. The work will be done by Fahrner Construction Company of Saginaw.
The Federal Highway Administration continues to promote the use of this technique in areas where there are higher-than-normal numbers of vehicle run-offs (for more information, see the Federal Highway Administration website: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/pavement_friction/high_friction/).
