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Royal Oak approves 11 Mile Road redesign and will seek grants to cover $2.1 million side-path gap
Summary
Commission approved a three-lane conversion and associated multimodal improvements for 11 Mile Road, endorsing pursuit of grants (TAP, Safe Streets for All) after staff said the full project with a 10-foot side path would cost about $13.5 million, a $2.1 million delta from the $11.4 million road-only estimate.
The Royal Oak City Commission voted Dec. 8 to approve the 11 Mile Road improvements as presented by city engineer Holly Donahue, endorsing a multimodal redesign that converts several stretches of the corridor to a three-lane cross-section with center left-turn lane, pedestrian refuge islands, upgraded ADA ramps, tree plantings and on-street parking in targeted segments.
Donahue said the base road-improvement cost is about $11.4 million; adding a 10-foot shared-use side path on the north side increases the total to about $13.5 million, leaving a funding gap of approximately $2.1 million. She said the city has secured $2.3 million in STP (surface transportation program) funding and is pursuing the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) through MDOT and a Safe Streets for All grant; timelines were tight, with MDOT submittal requirements and a design schedule that would require construction in 2027–28.
"If we get that grant, no problem," Donahue said of the Safe Streets for All application, but also cautioned that timelines and a recent federal government shutdown have added uncertainty. She described corridor technical issues staff addressed, including reducing driveway conflict points from 52 to 43, relocating or consolidating curb cuts where feasible, and coordinating with neighboring communities that are planning similar improvements.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of doing the project comprehensively rather than phasing it over many years; one commissioner said it was better for businesses and residents to "rip the Band Aid off" and complete the work in the two-year window to avoid repeated construction. The commission approved the resolution to proceed and directed staff to continue design and pursue grants. Staff said they expect a contract modification for the consultant in January to add scope and that MDOT deliverables are due in August 2026.
