BEVERLY HILLS — Millions of dollars will be spent on major road projects in Oakland County next year, including a roundabout in Milford and repaving of major roads in South Lyon, Novi, and Farmington Hills.
The Road Commision for Oakland County has unveiled a $193.4 million budget for 2026 and will accept public input on it during a hearing planned for 2 p.m., Aug. 21, at the RCOC administrative offices, 31001 Lahser Road, at the corner of 13 Mile Road.
Among the planned projects in Hometown Life communities are construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Wixom, Duck Lake and Sleeth roads on the Milford Twp./Commerce Twp. border with a cost this year of $2.7 million.
Also scheduled for repairs, rehabilitation and resurfacing with 3-4 inches of new asphalt are:
12 Mile Road, Orchard Lake Road to Autumn Ridge in Farmington Hills – $3.8 million
12 Mile Road, Novi to Farmington in Novi and Farmington Hills – $8.5 million
Novi Road, 8 Mile to 9 Mile (two-year project started in 2025) in Novi and Northville – $4.35 million
Pontiac Trail, 9 Mile Road to the CSX railroad tracks in South Lyon and Lyon Twp. – $11.6 million
“The 2026 budget is more than just numbers, it’s a step toward better safer roads,” RCOC Board Chair Eric McPherson said. “We’re not just maintaining what we have. We are building a future-ready road network that supports Oakland County’s growth and prosperity.”
South Lyon Mayor Steve Kennedy said the Pontiac Trail roadwork is about 15 years overdue and the improvements and assistance from the county, state and federal government in funding the project is welcome. Kennedy expects the city’s financial portion of the $11.6 million cost to be about $1.5 to $2 million.
While he and city councilmembers are concerned with the impact to businesses in the city during the estimated nine-month construction season, traffic flow is expected to be maintained with accessibility to commercial enterprises.
“Don’t let a minor inconvenience stop you from shopping downtown,” Kennedy implored residents, noting that events like Pumpkinfest and the car show would continue. “Downtown Brighton did a major project and they lost some businesses… We have great businesses in our city and we want to see all of them survive.”
“We understand the frustration that comes with roadwork,” RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar said. “But every cone, every detour, is part of the bigger picture: a safer, stronger road system for everyone in Oakland County.”
The Road Commission Board expects to adopt the budget on Sept. 25. To view more details, visit www.rcocweb.org.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com or 517-281-2412.
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Milford roundabout, Pontiac Trail in South Lyon among major RCOC projects in 2026
Reporting by Susan Bromley, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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