9 Line

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9 line

What is the 9 Line?

The 9 Line follows the existing geographic infrastructure of Nine Mile Road and passes through southern Oakland County, connecting 10 vibrant communities and offering diverse cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities. The 9 Line connects residents to universities, hospitals, parks, schools, downtown districts and employment centers and creates a greener, safer community that increases the quality of life.

Nine Mile Corridor Feasibility Study

In 2023, Oakland County Parks (OCP) facilitated (and matched) a grant from Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) to develop a feasibility study for a Nine Mile Pathway corridor in southern Oakland County. The initial project focused on communities along Nine Mile between I-275 and I-75, and included Farmington, Farmington Hills, Oak Park, Southfield, Ferndale and Hazel Park. In 2024, through its Strategic Partnerships Grant Program, OCP provided funding for both Phase II of the Feasibility Study as well as a marketing and branding strategy. Phase II brings in the rest of the communities along the corridor, including Novi, Northville, Lyon Township and South Lyon.

The Phase II report was completed in early 2025 and is currently being adopted by the four new communities. Once that occurs, the four Phase II communities will officially sign on to the Nine Mile Task Force MOU, which includes Oakland County and indicates each community’s interest in working together to develop and connect non-motorized access along the entire 30-mile stretch of Nine Mile in Oakland County. Oakland County Commissioners Linnie Taylor, Philip J. Weipert and Charlie Cavell are currently appointed to the Task Force, which is coordinated by OCP Planning and meets quarterly.

9 Line Branding

For the marketing and branding strategy component of the project, OCP worked with Crimson Agency on creating a logo and brand guidelines for what is now referred to as the 9 Line. This iterative process included representatives from all 10 communities who worked together to select both a name and a logo for the corridor. Southfield has been the first community to install 9 Line signage, starting with a new sign at the entrance to Bauervic Woods (on the 9 Line) as well as some custom art pieces along the corridor that match the brand themes. OCP will continue to coordinate and convene the 9 Line communities and to assist with planning, grant support and marketing for the project.