Shelby Township announces awareness campaign for 2014 summer road projects

In the midst of an unprecedented and “unique” road work season, Shelby Township announced an awareness campaign to keep residents and motorists as up to date as possible on construction in Shelby Township through press releases, presentations at Board of Trustees meetings and increased social media and website updates.

“We are in the midst of a unique situation with our 2014 road construction season,” Stathakis said. “This is why I asked Deputy Supervisor Brad Bates to craft an awareness campaign for these road projects highlighting detours and other information that will help motorists, residents and customers find their way through the construction and to our local businesses as efficiently as possible.

“The first part of this initiative was presented at the June 18 Board of Trustees meeting as the township engineers gave the first of monthly updates on the various projects,” Stathakis added. “The Board of Trustees understands the hardships facing motorists and businesses in the township, but we also know our taxpayers understand the value of top-notch infrastructure such as roads and bridges within our township.”

Stathakis said that the high number of calls his office received regarding multiple projects in the area of 25 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue were signs that this construction season needed special attention.

“Because of many circumstances, mostly beyond the control of the Township, there are three projects, which will be running simultaneously from June 23 until Aug. 1 in the area of 25 Mile Road and Van Dyke,” Stathakis said. “The largest of the three is the full reconstruction of 25 Mile Road from Mound Road to Van Dyke, and it is the only project that our Board voted to occur in 2014. The other projects are delayed from 2013 or out of the Township’s authority.

“Our Board approved funds for this to begin shortly after the most recent school year ended and be completed before classes resumed in the fall. But, because of the late and wet spring this year, crews were late starting, but the Macomb County Department of Roads gives me every assurance that crews are working to complete the major overhaul of the road, drains and curbs. As of June 20, the County said 25 Mile Road will be re-opened Aug. 29, and the project should be complete by Sept. 19.”

The second project in the area is the widening of Van Dyke from 25 Mile Road to 26 Mile Road, which was to be completed in 2013. Because the MCDR could not reach a settlement on several easement purchases this project was pushed to this year and is scheduled to be completed Aug. 15.

The third project, a resurfacing of 25 Mile Road from Hayes Road to Van Dyke, is being done at the discretion of the MCDR as that stretch of road fit the county’s criteria to be resurfaced at no direct cost to Shelby Township.

“The coordination of these projects and all other major road projects within Macomb County is handled by the Department of Roads,” Stathakis said. “The MCDR staff does an excellent job working with all communities, businesses and residents throughout Macomb County, but oftentimes extenuating circumstances lead to situations like the one we are experiencing in Shelby Township this year.”

“I apologize for the inconvenience, but we must follow through on our commitment to improving roads,” Stathakis added. “By being proactive with projects, the Board of Trustees ensures that our roadways are not littered with patching trucks and potholes, and we can continue to boast first-rate infrastructure to attract new businesses and enhance the experience of all our residents.”