At a steady clip: M-5 roundabout work progressing

The $5-million roundabout construction project at the intersection of M-5, Pontiac Trail and Martin Parkway in Commerce Township is under way and progressing at an unfettered pace.

“Currently, crews are constructing new storm sewers at the roundabout to ensure there’s good drainage there,” said Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Spokesperson Craig Bryson.

Cursory construction work began May 31.

The RCOC began a closure of Pontiac Trail between M-5 and Welch Road on June 26. During the Pontiac Trail closure, traffic isn’t permitted to travel from eastbound Pontiac Trail to southbound M-5 or from northbound M-5 to westbound Pontiac Trail. The detour route for traffic that would normally travel along Pontiac Trail between M-5 and Welch Road will be Welch Road to Maple Road to Haggerty Road and back to Pontiac Trail, and vice versa.

Pontiac Trail east of M-5 will remain open, and traffic will be permitted to travel from northbound M-5 to eastbound Pontiac Trail and from westbound Pontiac Trail to southbound M-5. However, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

A new retention pond was built to the south and east of the intersection’s former retention pond. A temporary road was then installed to shift detour traffic.

“We really expected to hear more from residents, but the shift in traffic is working out well along the temporary road,” Bryson said.

Local businesses remain open during the Pontiac Trail closure.

“The area is more congested during rush hour, but we haven’t received any feedback from businesses,” Bryson said.

Once completed, the roundabout will be the largest to date in Oakland County. Tony Angelo Cement Company, based in Novi, has been contracted to conduct the work.

The project is expected to help mitigate traffic congestion at the intersection of M-5, Pontiac Trail, and Martin Parkway. Once finished, most of the roundabout will be two lanes, with three lanes at the north end.

The project is expected to be completed around Nov. 1.