The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) has received the American Public Works Association (APWA) Michigan Chapter Project of the Year Award in the Transportation category for projects between $5 million and $25 million for its 2023-2024 Waldon Road paving project, from Baldwin Road to Clintonville Road in Orion and Independence townships.
The award honors excellence in the management and administration of public works projects, recognizing the collaborative efforts between RCOC, project partners, and the local communities to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and extend the longevity of infrastructure.
“This project was a great example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and a commitment to improving road safety and capacity for all users,” said RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “We’re honored to be recognized by APWA and thank our contractors, engineers and township officials for their support.”
Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC), an engineering consulting firm, served as the project’s design engineers, providing essential engineering and design services that helped ensure the project’s success. HRC’s expertise contributed significantly to the project’s overall impact and recognition, Kolar noted.
The Waldon Road project involved paving a two-mile section of gravel road, widening the roadway, adding a roundabout at the Waldon Road/Clintonville Road intersection, improving drainage, realigning a section of the road, relocating a stream, installing new curbs and gutters and upgrading pedestrian and bike facilities on a section of the road. These improvements significantly enhanced safety and mobility in the area.
The project was completed over two years and opened to traffic in November 2024. The total cost for the project was $15 million. The contractor for the project was Dan’s Excavating of Shelby Township.
The award was presented at the APWA Michigan Chapter Awards Ceremony, recognizing standout public infrastructure projects from across the state that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and service to the community.
For more information on the Michigan Chapter of the APWA, visit APWA Michigan Chapter.
Editor’s note: Photo attached.
Photo cutline: Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) and Hubbell, Roth & Clark representatives receive the award at the APWA award presentation ceremony on May 22. Left to right: Brandy Siedlacek, APWA Michigan Chapter past president; Brad Knight, RCOC director of Planning and Environmental Concerns; Jake Darnall, HRC; Andrea Pike, HRC; Gary Piotrowicz, RCOC deputy managing director/county highway engineer; and Jennifer Lawson, APWA Michigan Chapter president. Photo courtesy of HRC.
