Nearly 13,000 drivers a day who use southbound Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills will need to find another way starting Wednesday, Aug. 12, when the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office shuts down the corridor for sanitary sewer repairs.
The Road Commission for Oakland County issued a permit to close southbound Orchard Lake Road from just south of 11 Mile Road to Hull Road. The work is expected to last through approximately Monday, Aug. 24.
Northbound Orchard Lake Road will stay open.
The detour
Southbound drivers will be routed east on 11 Mile Road, south on Powers Road, then west on 10 Mile Road back to Orchard Lake Road.
One complication: 10 Mile Road between Middlebelt and Inkster roads has been closed since July 15 for a culvert replacement project, with completion targeted for October, according to the Oakland Press. The RCOC alert does not address whether the detour segment of 10 Mile Road overlaps with that closure. Drivers should watch for signage and allow extra time.
Another project on a busy construction calendar
The Orchard Lake Road closure adds to an already crowded construction season in Farmington Hills. As we reported July 27, multiple road projects are running simultaneously across the city this summer and fall. The city has budgeted roughly $30 million in road and infrastructure improvements for 2026, according to a city announcement. Jacob Rushlow, director of the city's Public Services Department, said in April that the investments aim to maintain safe, reliable roads and utilities across the community.
What to know
- What: Southbound Orchard Lake Road closed from just south of 11 Mile Road to Hull Road
- When: Wednesday, Aug. 12 through approximately Monday, Aug. 24 (13 days)
- Why: Sanitary sewer repairs by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office
- Detour: 11 Mile Road → Powers Road → 10 Mile Road → Orchard Lake Road
- Traffic impact: Approximately 12,820 vehicles use this southbound stretch daily
- Questions: Contact the OCWRC at 248-858-0958
