Avondale High School Band on the Road to the Future

Avondale High School marching band helped open the Auburn Hills Diverging Diamond Interchange in style when the group played before a gathering of local leaders celebrating the project eight months in the making. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel, Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and several Auburn Hills City Council members were joined by key participants in the project including Auburn Hills City Manager Tom Tanghe, MDOT director Kirk Steudle, and the Traffic Improvement Association of Michigan executive director Jim Santilli at the official grand opening this week.

The new interchange, located at I-75 and University Drive in Auburn Hills replaces the previous interchange that included a bridge, thought to be at least 50 years old. Considered structurally deficient, the bridge was is such poor shape that officials were forced to close it in 2014. In addition, its design was inferior to the design of the diverging diamond which eliminates looped ramps; allows for improved sight distance; and makes wrong way entry to ramps extremely difficult. The new site includes a pedestrian walkway and side gates imposing an impressive visual for travelers on I-75.

County Executive Patterson said the interchange was now a “fitting and proper” entrance to a city that is home to many technology and engineering firms. He also dubbed the site “the intersection of technology and innovation”.

Avondale Band Director Joshua Neuenschwander was happy to have the 70 members of the band participate in the event, “how many times do you get to do something like this?” He added that it’s nice for the students to play a role in community functions and celebrations. “The students should participate in community activities – it’s a connection to something bigger than their high school life.”

A17%t�[l�