By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.-Due to resurfacing of M-15 as well as a higher number of traffic accidents this year, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office will be increasing patrols of the busy road.
OCSO Sgt. Greg Glover said there has been 117 traffic accidents so far this year across the township, and 24 within the village limits. Most of the accidents on M-15 result from motorists attempting to pass on the shoulder. Use of cell phones while driving is also a problem, as motorists rear end vehicles while texting.
In two separate accident reports last week, drivers reported they were distracted while changing radio stations. The accidents resulted in one driver leaving the road and hitting a tree, while the other responsible rear-ended another vehicle. In a third accident on M-15, a driver was passing on the shoulder.
‘Pay attention,? said Glover. ‘We will have more of a presence on main roads and will enforce the speed limit as well as other moving violations.?
During resurfacing of M-15, Glover added that the Michigan Department of Transportation has requested OCSO provide extra patrols in the evening and early morning hours when most work will be performed.
Sidewalk work alongside M-15 is scheduled to begin June 9 near Strawberry Lane in Independence. Work on M-15 in Brandon is expected to begin after June 23, with minimal traffic disruption. Resurfacing begins approximately July 14, said Mike Hlavacek, project manager with Ace-Saginaw Paving Company. Any daytime lane closures would only be for sidewalk work with low impact. Lane closures will otherwise occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Completion date for the entire project is Aug. 28.
‘We’re glad to see M-15 resurfaced even though it’s an inconvenience for awhile? the potholes are pretty bad recently,? said Township Supervisor Kathy Thurman.