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Pontiac Trail reconstruction now estimated at about $11 million; city share not yet finalized
Summary
City Manager Paul Zelnick told council that the Pontiac Trail reconstruction project’s total estimate is about $11 million, with the city expecting to learn its final share in the coming weeks; council members raised concerns about impacts to downtown businesses and event planning during construction.
City Manager Paul Zelnick told the South Lyon City Council on Aug. 11 that the Pontiac Trail reconstruction project’s current total estimate is about $11,000,000 and is scheduled for major work between March and November 2026, with final restoration items continuing into early 2027.
Zelnick said he met with Michigan Department of Transportation representatives and the Oakland County road commissioner to review bid documents, project quantities, staging, detour routes and cost estimates. He said a detailed itemization is expected in the coming weeks so the city can determine how much of the project it will budget this year and next. He gave an initial city-share range of roughly $1.5 million to $2 million, noting the figure was preliminary.
Council members asked several practical questions about impacts on downtown businesses and events. Council member Delk said she is concerned about the effect on merchants and cited a recent example in Brighton where businesses suffered during street projects. Zelnick said the city will coordinate with the DDA, economic-development staff and a forthcoming social-media manager to publicize detours, parking options and event changes; he said event organizers have already discussed adjusted footprints for next year’s festivals.
Zelnick and multiple council members said the work will be staged in phases and that the contractor and the city will coordinate to open streets for planned events when possible. He acknowledged that some side streets could be gravel at times and that final paving and landscaping could be delayed to the next growing season for restoration work.
Why it matters: Pontiac Trail is a major corridor. The project’s cost and staging have implications for municipal budgeting, downtown commerce and the scheduling of community events, and council members asked for more specific cost breakdowns and ongoing communication with impacted businesses.
Provenance: Zelnick described the project schedule, cost estimate and next steps; council members raised business-impact and event concerns during the manager’s report and later in council comments.
