ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Another major stretch of Rochester Road is headed for construction, this time in Rochester Hills, as state transportation officials plan a two-year reconstruction project on nearly five miles of the busy corridor.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will reconstruct Rochester Road between Hall Road (M-59) and Tienken Road, splitting the work into two phases beginning in 2027 and 2028.
MDOT officials said the $40 million project is about more than just laying new pavement.
“We’re going to take off the pavement, rebuild it do a lot of curb and gutter work,” said David Anason, a project and contract engineer with MDOT. “We’re going to do a lot of sewer work in the northern portion of it, and my favorite part of the project is we’re going to fill up sidewalk gaps. We’re also going to put a sidewalk over M-59.”
Anason said repaving the corridor is necessary to reduce the need for frequent pothole patching and improve long-term drivability.
The first portion of construction will begin in March of 2027.
That will include the portion of Rochester Road from M-59 to Avon Road and then move on from there.
Some residents, though, are worried about the impact on day-to-day life.
“Next year it’s going to be a nightmare for both of us,” said Rochester Hills resident Scot Beaton, who fears drivers will cut through his neighborhood to avoid backups on the main road once work begins.
Beaton also questions whether the plan addresses what he sees as key safety issues.
“What they presented today is just more asphalt on top of asphalt,” he said. “I have not seen any safety issues addressed at all whatsoever today.”
Another resident questioned why the plans didn’t include a bike lane.
Business owners, already watching how separate construction on Rochester Road in Troy has affected shops there, are also wary but cautiously optimistic.
That’s why Dr. Tobi Russell, who owns Rochester Area Counseling just off Rochester Road in Rochester Hills, attended MDOT’s public meeting Tuesday evening.
She said she wanted to know whether her business might suffer, but left feeling somewhat reassured.
“They have some good detours, I think, as well, so I’m sure at the beginning there’s going to be some difficulties,” Russell said. “I’m sure overall we’ll be able to get around. And hopefully people will continue to support the businesses that are right on Rochester Road.”
MDOT plans to hold another public meeting on the Rochester Road reconstruction next Thursday (July 30) at the Rochester Hills Department of Public Services Facility from 5-7 pm.