Spring will eventually bring warm weather to Clarkston, but it will also bring a major construction project to Sashabaw Road.
Independence Township Board voted, Feb. 17, to approve the $4 million reconstruction and widening project at Sashabaw and Waldon, and the I-75 interchange.
Work, to begin in May, will include turn lanes to the area and dual left hand turn lanes on east bound Waldon.
A new ramp to southbound Sashabaw Road will be constructed from northbound I-75, along with dedicated lanes for emergency vehicles.
Improvements are part of a Sashabaw Road Corridor Improvement Authority plan. Projects in the plan already completed include installation of a traffic light at the Flemings Lake intersection and completion of Sashabaw boulevard landscaping south of I-75.
McLaren chipped in $1.5 million towards the improvements. Funding also includes $670,000 from the state for bringing the Magneti Marelli auto parts manufacturer to the township, and $1.6 million in Tri-Party funds ? Oakland County, Road Commission for Oakland County, and the township. The Sashabaw Corridor Improvement Authority will provide the rest.
In 2014, township officials focused on improvements to the Sashabaw Corridor while McLaren’s hospital plan was debated.
McLaren’s $300 million medical campus plan was rejected, but officials said they are still committed to investing in Clarkston, and announced a plan for a smaller medical campus.
Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle said the township will provide information on alternate routes before construction begins. Stay tuned to The Clarkston News for updates.