So, The RCOC has determined that the Avon Bridge at Avon and Livernois Roads is in worse shape than they originally thought. They are now closing additional lanes leaving only one lane in each direction open. I'm sure I don't need to tell you what a bottleneck that is going to be. That intersection backs during rush hour without lanes closed.
The ironic thing is money has been approved for fixing this bridge, but not until 2013. (Read Dec 3 post)
Well, I find it interesting, the city felt that borrowing from capital fund reserves to build two water reservoirs to the tune of nearly $20 million without conclusive evidence of saving the residents money on their water bills was a good idea even though the residents were soundly against it.
Yet, something that is so critical as being able to move traffic across Avon Road, doesn't seem to warrant any conversation or action. It would sure seem that the city could make a deal and pay for the repairs to the bridge now and be reimbursed in 2013.
Perhaps if 350 residents show up at the next council meeting, picket outside and voice their opinion during public comment like they did concerning the reservoirs, those in the majority on city council that seem to control the agenda and what happens in the city will take notice and do something.
I guess we will have to wait and see.
BTW, there is a meeting tonight at 7pm at city hall.
Watching the council meeting tonight on local cable channel as Mr. Davis discusses the possibility of closing the Avon road bridge. He discussed the "process" for Oakland County and that the typical time frame of the design and bid process probably wouldn't allow the project to possible be completed yet in 2011.
ReplyDeleteMy mind thinks about how fast road projects have been built in the past after earthquakes and other natural disasters. It seems to me that when things get this bad, there have to be ways to move these projects along faster than the normal "process" would dictate.
Would this cost more, probably, but would it be worth it to the residents if this cost 5 to 10 % more to get it done. Probably.
I just don't believe that they can not do an advance construction. Build it now and get reimbursed later. Just get it done!
ReplyDeleteWhile the RCOC is at it - they can fix Livernois road. The craters are so big you almost need a military grade hummer to drive on it and not blow a tire.
We need to elect nonslate people to city council Aug & Nov 2011.
ReplyDeleteBring that military grade Hummer over to Crooks road too, almost looks like a roadside bomb has gone off in parts of that road.
ReplyDeleteHere's an idea for people who are bored on Monday nights. Get in your car and burn a little gas. Drive up to the Avon Road area and just drive up and down Avon Road from Rochester Road to Old Perch and repeat. This way, we can help add to the traffic congestion and make it harder for our Council members to get to the meeting. Come on people, we need hundreds of you to join the fun. Then if you're really bored that night, stop on in for a seat and a spot at the podium for public comment. Take up their time on the road, and waste some more of it once they arrive!
ReplyDeleteI live near Avon & Livernois. With the new bridge lane restrictions, the road construction on Walton and the Crooks bridge, traffic will only severly worsen in the area. Then I can hardly wait until the begin work on Main Street in Rochester. Is there anyone looking at the overall picture here? Or is everyone only concerned with their piece of the puzzle?
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