The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) will close one lane of Union Lake Road, between Wise and Commerce roads in Commerce Township, on Monday, June 20. The road is then expected to close completely July 28 for 60 days, re-opening in late September.
Both the lane and road closures are necessary so RCOC can replace a culvert under the road. During the lane closure, one through lane in each direction will remain open on Union Lake Road, though motorists should expect delays during rush hours.
During the work, access will be maintained at all times to all homes and businesses within the construction area as well as to the adjacent boat launch on Union Lake. Throughout and after the project, existing water levels on Union Lake will be maintained.
The project, originally planned for 2021, was delayed after RCOC staff discovered a major utility line had not been properly relocated prior to construction. The incorrectly relocated utility line was in conflict with the planned location of the new culvert as well as with the necessary construction steps planned to protect the waterway as required by the state Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The issue was recently resolved by the utility company.
Once the road is closed on July 28, the through-traffic detour route will be Wise Road to Carroll Lake Road to Commerce Road and back to Union Lake Road and vice versa.
The project cost, approximately $780,000, will be shared by RCOC and Commerce Township.
In addition to the culvert replacement, the project includes:
- Replacement of the lake-level structure adjacent to the road
- Replacement of curbs and gutters in the affected road section
- Replacement of 200 feet of asphalt pavement
- Replacement of guardrails, signs and pavement markings
The contractor for the project is VIL Construction of Sterling Heights.
This section of Union Lake Road carries approximately 34,000 vehicles per day. For more information
on the Union Lake culvert-replacement project, visit the RCOC website at www.rcocweb.org (click on the “Road Projects” icon on the home page and then select “Union Lake Road Culvert Replacement”. The direct link is: https://www.rcocweb.org/588/Union-Lake-Road-Culvert-Replacement.
For questions on the project, contact RCOC through any of the following methods:
