The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) continues to be a leader in safety and will once again use a “high-friction surface treatment” to improve traction on two curves on Oakley Park Road in Commerce Twp. and Williams Lake Road in Waterford Township. Work is scheduled to begin Sept. 4.
The treatment will be applied to the curve located on Oaklely Park Road between Commerce and Benstein roads on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. The work on Williams Lake Road just north of M-59 (Highland Road) will take place Sept. 9 through Sept. 13. The work is weather-dependent, and the schedule could change.
The technique provides a coarse, 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 gravel to the road’s surface.
The road will remain open to traffic, and flaggers will direct motorists through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays. During the evening, the roads will be completely open to traffic.
In 2016, RCOC added the high-friction surface to Clarkston Road curves between Clearview Street and Eston Road in Independence Twp.
The project cost is approximately $150,000 and is funded by RCOC. The work will be done by Smith’s Waterproofing of Almont, MI.
The Federal Highway Administration continues to promote the use of this method 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/.
