Miller Road Program: Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. I understand that some major road construction
projects provide for "performance bonuses" for contractors to
encourage them to complete the project on time and on budget,
and that these are often quite effective. Have you thought of
using performance bonuses in this way?
A. No, the contractor will be required to meet an expedited schedule to finish the project by the completion date. The contractor will be allowed to work extended days, weekends, and during night, as may be required to complete the project by the required completion date.
Q. When will construction begin?
A. Traffic signal work has been underway since March 5, 2008 and is
scheduled to be completed by May 5th at which time construction on
the roadway will begin.
Q. When will it be completed?
A. September 2008. The object is to minimize impact on the businesses
that are located along that very important corridor, and be finished
before the 2008 Holiday shopping season begins
Q. Why is this project being done now?
A. Miller Road is over 20 years old depending on the section, and
is reaching the end of its useful life. It is at a stage in its
life where it will start getting much worse very quickly if it
is not addressed now. Governor Granholm's Jobs Today program provided
a funding source and a window of opportunity that will allow this
project to be undertaken.
Q. Will businesses be accessible during
construction?
A. Yes, access to all businesses will be maintained at all times.
There will be some temporary inconveniences during the duration of the project,
and there will be restrictions during the project, but the road will never
be completely closed. In fact, 3 lanes (one lane in each direction and a
center left turn lane) will be kept open at all times. Genesee Valley Mall
shoppers coming from I-75 will find it easier to get to the Mall by following
the signs to I69 West, to the Bristol Rd. exit, west on Bristol, right on
Linden Road to the Mall.
Q. Have you considered doing the project at night when businesses are closed and traffic is lightest?
A. Yes. It is sometimes effective to work around the clock to get the job done faster and minimize conflict. In this case however, the scope of the project makes that problematic. Night work is more feasible for overlay projects where resurfacing is completed at night under partial lane closures and then all lanes are opened to traffic during the day. None of the contractors are prohibited from working late, even all night, if is advantageous for them and the project to do so, but on this project there still will be 2 lanes torn up during the day even if all work is done at night.
Q. Miller Road is congested much of the
time. Will this project address that?
A. Unfortunately, not to as great an extent as we would like.
This is a " no frills" reconstruction project that will rebuild
the existing roadway from the base up, but with no additional lanes.
We would like to be able to address congestion issues by considering
additional lanes, access drives etc., but the funding just isn't there.
To the extent possible we will look at access management opportunities,
to try to reduce conflicts and disruptions to smooth flow.
Q.Will this project address the traffic issues at the interchange at Miller Road and I-75?
A. This interchange, like others in the area,
is the jurisdiction of MDOT. They are included in MDOT's long range plan,
but are not part of this project. One thing we are doing is installing an
additional left turn lane from eastbound Miller Road to southbound I-75.
Having 2 left turn lanes there could potentially reduce the queue on Miller Road,
which now sometimes extends beyond Lennon Road, and blocks access to driveways.
Q. How much will the project cost?
A. Current construction cost estimate is $12,500,000.
Q. Who pays for it?
A.
- 50% Federal Funds
- 30% State Funds
- 5% Flint Twp Central Business District Authority
- 15% Genesee County Road Commission
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