Novi Metro Connector Trail

Critical Trail Connection Increases Safe Non-Motorized Travel Routes

The City of Novi, Michigan engaged OHM Advisors in seeking funds from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program (MDOT TAP) to construct a non-motorized pathway facility on the east side of Meadowbrook Road, extending from the existing terminus of the MDOT Metro Trail at I-96 to the intersection at 12 Mile Road. After helping the city obtain funding, we created the design for the connector trail according to all applicable bicycling trail regulations as mandated by funding requirements.

In order for the road to physically accommodate connector trail, our team created a design shifting vehicle traffic on Meadowbrook Road and resurfaced its bridge over I-96—widening the bridge approaches, installing significant retaining walls within limited right-of-way constraints. Our design also included ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, new pedestrian signals, and pushbuttons at the 12 Mile Road boulevard intersection. Throughout the process, we helped coordinate permitting with MDOT and the Road Commission for Oakland County, and worked with private property owners to achieve the necessary permissions for the project. The result is a new multi-modal transit path that enhances transportation within the city, integrates with the existing roadways, and provides safer traveling pathways for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Project Highlights: multimodal, non-motorized pathway, transportation engineering, construction engineering, DOT, road, trail, funding assistance, pedestrian signals, construction administration