There will be significant improvements for traffic and pedestrians in Royal Oak and Farmington with the help of a new SEMCOG projects.
Royal Oak was awarded $3.3 million for signal modernization and other improvements on 14 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway, while Farmington received $481,675 for crosswalks and curb extensions.
“This investment addresses critical infrastructure needs, supports our sustainability goals, reduces emissions, and helps people get where they need to go more efficiently,” said Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier. “Upgrading signals and investing in this kind of infrastructure moves us toward our transportation and safety goals, not just for our city, but for the entire region that relies on Royal Oak.”
The Royal Oak project is through SEMCOG’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program for cost-effective transportation projects that address air quality, reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow. Eligible projects include transit improvements, traffic signal modernization, roundabouts, electric vehicle charging, and more.
“Farmington’s momentum carries us to Drake Road, where the city continues pursuing its goal to be a walkable, pedestrian-friendly community,” said Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa. “This funding will enable us to add a new sidewalk to the west side of Drake Road from Freedom road to Drake Park, and install pedestrian safety upgrades to a couple of other key intersections in the city.”
The Farmington improvements were made possible through SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program program that distributes $10 million in federal funding to local transportation projects each year. Eligible projects include shared-use path and sidewalk modernization, pedestrian safety improvements, new sidewalks, and complete streets amenities that increase usability.
Royal Oak Project Summary
The project will upgrade traffic signals along two major corridors to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility.
Phase 1 (2027): Traffic signal upgrades along 14 Mile Road
Phase 2 (2028): Traffic signal upgrades along Coolidge Highway
Other improvements include:
New mast arms (the overhead structures that hold traffic lights)
Brighter, illuminated street name signs for better visibility
Audible pedestrian pushbuttons to assist people with visual impairments
Advanced traffic detection systems to better respond to real-time conditions
Coordinated signal timing along each corridor to reduce delays and improve travel times
“This more than $3.3 million investment will fund critical improvements along 14 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway, allowing us to make substantial upgrades that benefit drivers, pedestrians, and the entire community,” said Holly Donoghue, Royal Oak city engineer. “It allows us to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality while making major safety and efficiency upgrades to our traffic signals, ensuring cars move more efficiently instead of sitting idle and adding to pollution.”
The three main Farmington improvements were made possible through SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program program that distributes $10 million in federal funding to local transportation projects each year.
photo courtesy SEMCOG
Farmington Project highlights:
Drake Road – a new sidewalk and crossing will help create more direct connections to Drake Park and Longacre Elementary School.
The intersection of Gill Rd. and Arundel St. – The project complements a Gill Rd. reconstruction between Arundel and Freedom Rd. in 2026, including sidewalk and sidewalk ramp upgrades. New rapid flashing beacons for both northbound and southbound traffic at the intersections.
The north and south intersections of Shiawassee St. and Orchard Lake Rd. – Reconstructing sidewalks, sidewalk ramps, and modernizing pedestrian traffic signals at both intersections.
“This is a great project, which will improve safety for everyone and improve accessibility,” said Gwen Markham, Oakland County Commissioner and SEMCOG Chairperson. “Our Regional Review Committee, which approved these funds, really likes to support projects like this,” Markham said.
There was not an announcement on when all the projects will begin.
SEMCOG is primarily funded through a combination of federal and state grants, particularly from the U.S. and Michigan Departments of Transportation, along with local membership dues and specific program contracts.
Since its launch in 2019, the Planning Assistance Program has awarded over $3.8 million through competitive grants to over 100 projects statewide.