The City of Auburn Hills is completing a construction project along Walton Road west of Squirrel Road. The project will require traffic to be rerouted through the area. Along with the project, a number of considerations have been addressed to make the corner of Squirrel Road and Walton Road safer.
Throughout the project, which will last through December 2008, there will be intermittent lane closures of Walton Road west of Squirrel Road. In March 2008, the Walton Road bridge over I-75 will be replaced. Drivers will be advised to take University Drive to either Opdyke or Squirrel Road back to Walton Road on either side of I-75.
In addition, certain safety enhancements will occur at the intersection of Squirrel and Walton. A boulevard, or island, will be constructed on Walton Road, west of Squirrel Road to increase safety for those crossing at that intersection.
The Oakland County Road Commission studied the intersection and found many pedestrians do not use the push buttons to cross the road. The button has been moved closer to the sidewalk, making it more accessible to those crossing.
The timing of the lights in the intersection is automated to sense traffic flow. It has now been altered to allow for safer pedestrian crossing. In addition, new signs will be installed to alert drivers to pedestrian traffic and the county has also committed to frequently repainting the pedestrian striping at the intersection.
The pedestrian ramps at the intersection will also be rebuilt.
Check The News @ OU as the project progresses for any updates on traffic detours or information.