MDOT selects Oakland Corridor Partners for final stage of I-75 project

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in the US has selected Oakland Corridor Partners team as the preferred bidder for the $1.4bn final phase of the I-75 modernisation project in Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and Royal Oak.

Oakland Corridor Partners will design, build, finance and maintain the final segment of the project between Eight Mile and 13 Mile roads.

MDOT believes that the modern contracting approach will help complete the entire modernisation project ten years earlier compared to conventional contracting methods.

The contract includes rebuilding more than five miles of pavement, modernising the freeway, and improving 28 bridges between M-102 (Eight Mile Road) and 13 Mile Road in the communities of Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and Royal Oak.

Additionally, Oakland Corridor Partners will be responsible for a safety upgrade that separates traffic entering northbound I-75 from I-696, and northbound I-75 traffic exiting at 11 Mile Road.

Furthermore, MDOT is constructing a drainage tunnel with a 14ft diameter between M102 and 12 Mile Road to divide freeway water from the local storm system to mitigate future flooding concerns.

Michigan State Transportation director Kirk Steudle said: “The staff overseeing the creation of this unique contracting method worked tirelessly analysing different options to determine that the DBFM model would provide the best project for Michigan in terms of innovation and delivery while meeting the project goals and objectives.

“In agreements that transfer maintenance responsibilities to a private party, the public owner benefits from guaranteed performance standards and long-term pricing that is locked in throughout the agreement.”

MDOT seeks to close on the I-75 modernisation contract by the end of the calendar year.

Detailed plans on construction activities and timelines will be announced later.