A ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 15 marked the long-awaited opening of Orion Township’s first roundabout at Baldwin, Indianwood and Coats Roads.
The $1.2 million project is the largest modern roundabout yet for the Road Commission for Oakland County.
RCOC Managing Director Brent Bair said $737, 000 of the project’s cost was supplied by federal road funds, with the rest of the cost being split between the RCOC and Orion Township.
Bair said due to the traffic pattern on Baldwin Road, a roundabout was a better choice than installing a traffic signal. Pedestrian pathways and lighting are included in the project. Landscaping on the central island is still to be done, and will be maintained by the township.
The roundabout was designed by the John Carlo Company of Mt. Clemens, and designed by township engineer’s Orchard, Hiltz and McCliment. Bair thanked residents and area businesses for their patience during the roundabout’s construction.