The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Board of Road Commissioners, on Thursday, Sept. 21, recognized the contributions of Lake Orion High School senior Nicole Baker, who recommended an improvement to the Clarkston/M-24 intersection in Orion Township, which has been implemented by RCOC and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Baker proposed allowing the eastbound through lane at the Clarkston/M-24 intersection to operate also as a second right turn lane, which would help alleviate some of the backup on eastbound Clarkston during peak travel times. RCOC engineers reviewed the proposal, and concluded it had merit. They then contacted engineers at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) who also reviewed the proposal and came to the same conclusion.
The proposal was then implemented and is working well. The Board presented Baker with an RCOC resolution of appreciation.
RCOC Board Chairman Eric Wilson, an Orion Township resident, praised Baker. “I really appreciate that Nicole not only saw a problem, but made the effort to also propose a solution,” Wilson said. “That is very impressive, and I suspect we’ll see a lot more from this young lady in the future.”
Wilson added that RCOC welcomes input from the public. “We welcome suggestions and comments, and, as this case demonstrates, we listen to our customers,” Wilson said. Wilson reminded the public they can contact RCOC via the Road Commission Website, www.rcocweb.org (click on “Contact Us” at the top of the home page) or by calling the Road Commission toll free at 877-858-4804.
The RCOC Board was joined by Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Gingell in praising the teen. Both the County Board and the Township presented her with proclamations praising her creative solution to the Clarkston/M-24 intersection challenge.
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Editor's Note: Photo attached. Caption: RCOC Board Chairman Eric Wilson (far left), Vice Chairman Greg Jamian (second from left) and Commissioner Ron Fowkes (far right) with Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett (second from right) and Nicole Baker.
