Two decisions regarding next year’s reconstruction of M-24 in Oxford Village were made by council last week.

One, construction will be permitted to start as early as 6 a.m. and run as late at 10 p.m. as needed.

Two, an official logo was adopted for use in all print, digital and marketing materials concerning the project.

Scheduled to begin in March 2020 and run through November, the M-24 construction project, which is being carried out by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), will encompass everything between Goldengate St. in Orion Township and Gateway Dr. in Oxford Township.

The portion of M-24 in Oxford between Drahner Rd. and Gateway Dr., which includes the entire stretch of state highway that runs through the village, will undergo reconstruction, meaning the road will be completely removed and everything rebuilt from the dirt up. In conjunction with this MDOT project, downtown Oxford’s streetscape between Minnetonka Dr. and First St. will be revamped in terms of aesthetics, functionality and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

According to village Manager Joseph Madore, MDOT is going to schedule the daily work hours to run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

But these hours conflict with restrictions on noise levels and vibrations contained in the village zoning ordinance.

The ordinance allows for exemptions to these restrictions when it comes to “temporary construction activity,” however, the exemptions are only for work done between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

In order to start earlier or go later, Madore informed council it would be necessary to grant an exemption.

Village attorney Bob Davis recommended council give “strong consideration” to extending the allowable work hours.

“This is not a project you want to see linger and (get) delayed,” he said. “I would let the bid package get out there with very aggressive hours.”

Madore pointed out allowing for a 16-hour work day is simply about giving the contractor the option if needed. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be a daily occurrence.

Madore said that additional time may end up only being utilized for certain activities or during specific phases of the project.

“For the most part, I think they’ll probably stick to their hours (of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.),” the manager told council.

As for the logo, council officially adopted the “Restore M-24” image and tagline to be used in communications with the public ranging from official information about the project to advertising and branding.

The “Restore M-24” slogan was created by Oxford Middle School sixth-grader Alia Lovely, 11. The Birmingham-based Digital Alliance, which is under contract with the Downtown Development Authority, then used the tagline and the drawing she made with it to create the logo that council approved.

Councilwoman Kate Logan said having this logo available will be helpful when it comes to disseminating “accurate information” about the M-24 project to the public. Using this logo on documents and materials will let people know the information contained within represents the “official word” as opposed to “hearsay,” she said.

Madore said it’s hoped that local merchants will use and share the logo via their advertising and social media. He indicated there’s even been some discussion of printing it on “coasters” to be used at local bars and restaurants.

During the reconstruction project, southbound traffic will continue to flow on M-24 between Gateway Dr. and Drahner Rd., however, it will be limited to one lane.

Northbound traffic will be prohibited on M-24. Vehicles heading north will be detoured onto E. Drahner Rd., then directed to Oxford Lake Dr., Glaspie St., N. Oxford Rd. and finally Ray Rd., which will take motorists back to M-24. The northbound detour will also be limited to one lane as the other lane along that route will remain open for southbound traffic as it is now.

To learn more about the M-24 project and streetscape improvements, please visit the Oxford Downtown Development Authority’s portion of the village website, the address for which is thevillageofoxford.org.