By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester Road corridor between Avon and South Boulevard has three of the four most dangerous intersections in the city, officials say.

The Rochester Road intersections at Avon, Auburn and Hamlin have above-average crash rates, according to the Traffic Improvement Association’s 2006-08 crash reports.

“This section of Rochester Road between Auburn and Barclay was listed as one of the 10 highest crash areas in Oakland County,” said Roger Rousse, Department of Public Services director.

An upcoming safety audit aims to deliver countermeasures that will reduce the risk of crashes at the collision-prone locations, Rousse said. The audit is a joint effort between Rochester Hills’ Traffic and Engineering Department officials and the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The process will include site visits, traffic counts, geometry reviews, signal operation analysis, reviews of crash data, analysis of collision trends, identification of countermeasures, and economic evaluations and implementation strategies.

The study will also assist the city and MDOT in submitting applications for grants and may increase the likelihood of gaining approvals for federal funds. The Rochester Hills’ portion of the study cost is $25,000. 

Rochester Hills City Council President Greg Hooper said the audit fits with the guidelines of the city’s master traffic thoroughfare plan. He also addressed concerns about a Rochester Road widening project.

“In regards to widening of Rochester Road, I can pretty much assure that it will not occur in my lifetime,” Hooper said. “[MDOT] does not have any money. In fact, they are looking at cutting budgets on major roads because of a complete lack of funds that exist.”

Rousse said the safety audit funding could be augmented with funds from other projects. “Some of our projects have come in below the budgeted amounts,” he said.

By a unanimous vote Oct. 25, the Rochester Hills City Council approved funding for the traffic safety audit, which is expected to be completed by July 2010.

You can reach Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at  (586) 498-1065.