Grand River Avenue

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) in the US has estimated that an investment of $600m is required to preserve the region’s road network.

RCOC is responsible for managing 2,700 miles of county roads, along with 500 county, city and state traffic signals in Oakland County, Michigan.

More than 40% of the road system managed by the RCOC is in poor condition, despite reconstruction and resurfacing works.

The agency is currently carrying out repairs across five roadways in Novi, where renovations worth more than $35m are taking place.

By the end of the construction season in November, RCOC expects to have initiated or completed road projects worth $50m.

"It’s more critical than ever that the state legislature address road funding."

RCOC managing director Dennis Kolar said that the current funding levels are not sufficient because with the available funds two-thirds of RCOC roads will remain in poor condition by 2018.

Kolar says: "Michigan remains in a road-funding crisis.

"According to the most recent US Census Bureau data available, Michigan is dead last compared to all other states in per capita state and local spending on roads, and it shows.

"It’s more critical than ever that the state legislature address road funding. The legislature controls road funding in Michigan, and they must resolve this crisis."

Kolar also said that the longer it takes to repair the roads, the extent of damage and the cost for repairs will also increase.

Image: M-43 Grand River Avenue in Novi, Michigan, US. Photo: courtesy of Wikipedia.