Craig Bryson, Senior Communications Manager for the Road Commission of Oakland County gave a wonderful presentation on the state of roads. This summary is provided (in part) with the help of AI.

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is a specialized governmental agency responsible for managing the largest county road network in Michigan, spanning more than 2,700 miles. Beyond paving and maintenance, the agency oversees 97 percent of the county’s traffic signals and over 100,000 road signs. Despite its massive jurisdiction, 755 miles of the system remain gravel. For decades, Michigan's infrastructure has struggled under chronic underfunding, frequently ranking among the lowest in the nation for per-capita road expenditures.

To address this "fiscal cliff," a landmark 2025 funding package was enacted. This legislation replaces the six percent sales tax on fuel with a 20-cent tax increase and establishes a Neighborhood Road Fund powered by marijuana and corporate income taxes. For RCOC, this shift is expected to provide an additional $46MM in 2026, growing to $79MM by 2030. These funds are vital for repaving projects, replacing culverts, and updating aging equipment.

Safety remains a core mission, with traffic fatalities in Oakland County dropping from 206 in 1967 to 61 in 2024. This success is attributed to a data-driven "safety culture" and the heavy use of roundabouts. RCOC maintains the highest concentration of roundabouts in the state, which have reduced fatal crashes by 90% while increasing traffic capacity. However, challenges persist, including a $13MM equipment deficit of $13 and staffing levels that are 17% lower than in 2007. Furthermore, the rise of electric vehicles threatens long-term gas tax revenues, necessitating future funding innovations.