(SOUTHFIELD, MICH.) – Two transportation projects in the city of Southfield totaling nearly $4 million will be celebrated at a public dedication on Thursday, November 6 at 11 a.m. in the Northland Center Parking Lot G near the newly renovated Northland Bus Transit Center.
That transit center is expected to begin serving riders in early November. Completion of the other transportation project, Greenfield Road construction between Eight and Nine Mile roads, is also expected in November. Both projects will be celebrated given the more than 30,000 estimated motorists that drive that stretch of Greenfield Road daily and the thousands of citizens that will utilize the Northland Bus Transit Center, which is adjacent to Northland Center.
Speakers at the dedication will include representatives from the city of Southfield, The Eight Mile Boulevard Association, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), SMART and the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). Area business owners, developers, city employees and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
“We are very pleased to dedicate the new Northland Bus Transit Center and Greenfield Road opening here in this very important section of the City,” commented Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence. “This investment in our infrastructure is critical to Southfield and the region so that we may continue to thrive. These projects collectively represent some of the great things happening in the city of Southfield, and we are very excited to see them come to fruition.”
The Northland Transit Center renovation is part of the final phase of a multimillion dollar federal grant that is being used to renovate the Northland Transit Center and other projects along Eight Mile Road. The Northland Transit Center renovation is valued at $748,750 including new concrete and asphalt surfacing and new pedestrian amenities such as landscaping, shelters, benches and trash receptacles.
The grant involved collaboration between The Eight Mile Boulevard Association, city of Southfield, Southfield DDA, DDOT, SMART and Northland Center. Parsons Brinckerhoff and WCI Contractors were retained to perform project consulting and improvement work, respectively.
“We are proud to be a partner of this shared effort that is bringing significant, tangible improvements for citizens who rely on public transportation along the Eight Mile corridor and for the men and women who provide that service, along with support services such as maintenance and public safety,” said Jordan Twardy, executive director of The Eight Mile Boulevard Association
Greenfield Road is being reconstructed from Eight Mile Road to north of Nine Mile Road in Southfield at a cost of $3.1 million. Of that amount, approximately $1.75 million is being paid for with federal funds. The remainder will be shared by the city of Southfield, Southfield DDA, Oakland County general government and the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC).
The project will be completed in early November and involves complete pavement removal and replacement in the southbound lanes of this section of Greenfield Road (the northbound lanes will not be reconstructed). The road is being reconstructed with concrete, including new curbs and gutters. The project includes crosswalk upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements as well as the construction of a new city of Southfield water main.
“Reconstructing the southbound lanes of this section of Greenfield was a high priority for the Road Commission,” stated RCOC Chairman Greg Jamian. “The newly reconstructed road will be good for business and will improve the quality of life for residents in the area. Projects like this demonstrate RCOC’s commitment to improving the transportation infrastructure in the southern part of the county as well as throughout Oakland County.”
Light refreshments will be served and the general public is welcome to attend the dedication. For more information, contact the Southfield DDA at (248) 796-5196 or visit www.southfielddda.com.
Note: Media interviews will be available onsite following the formal program.
