Proposed changes to Royal Oak's 11 Mile Road are stirring debate among residents and city officials as the area looks to address traffic congestion and improve access for cyclists. According to a report by ClickOnDetroit, the stretch between Woodward and Stephenson Highway might soon see a reduction in lanes to make room for a center turning lane, bike lanes, and possibly green space or street parking.
The city aims to better manage the current congestion caused by left-turning vehicles, and City Manager Joseph Gacioch explained the reasoning to FOX 2 Detroit, "We want to take some of that left-turn lane blockage which you get right now—which is just adding to the congestion—and kick that to the left-turn lane so you can keep the outer lanes moving." If approved, the $9 million project is slated to start in 2027, partially funded by $2.3 million in outside financing.
While cyclists like Ronaldo Ramirez see the potential benefits, telling FOX 2 Detroit that "That would create space. It would be much more convenient than an inconvenience," others express concern over the impact on driving patterns and public transportation. Some residents question the necessity of the lanes being lost, with one stating to ClickOnDetroit, "I’m just wondering about the trade off. Is it really worth it? Because it leads to congestion."
Local business owners are also divided. Trey, owner of Hype House near 11 Mile, expressed to WXYZ the need for traffic improvements and suggested that more parking and traffic lights might help alleviate issues. In contrast, Sherry Major, who operates a center behind 11 Mile, argued in favor of maintaining the status quo, explaining "No, I have no trouble with the traffic on 11 Mile. I experience ease of getting into out of my office." Recognition of these challenges was echoed by Royal Oak City Engineer Holly Donahue, who told WXYZ, "It's a really difficult decision because if you do like bike lanes, then maybe you're losing out on doing sustainability with green space. If you had parking, are you losing the chance to do something else out there?"
Residents and business owners had the opportunity to voice their opinions at a public hearing held next Tuesday, and the traffic committee is set to consult a traffic study before making a recommendation. The Royal Oak City Commission will consider these recommendations at the June 23, meeting as the city seeks to balance community needs with sustainable development.
