GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The closed Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge over the Trenton Channel is expected to reopen this Thursday (Nov. 21) evening, Wayne County announced Wednesday.
The “free bridge," as it is commonly called, was forced to shut down for emergency repairs last week. Ever since, drivers have been dealing with delays of up to an hour.
The heavy traffic stretched for miles Friday night.
“If you’re a truck driver you’re going to sit here for an hour because you got to have a spotter to go over,” Ron Mcceue said.
According to the Wayne County Department of Public Services, about 10 steel plates are being installed to support beams that were identified for repairs. Those plates need to be installed before they reopen the bridge. The plan is to open it by Thursday evening, but that could be delayed by weather.
“We are continuing to make progress with the repairs and are currently set to re-open the bridge on Thursday night,” said Beverly Watts, director of the Department of Public Services. “We will continue to communicate any updates.
Moving forward, the county said the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge will undergo extensive rehabilitation work during the 2020 construction season. Construction will be completed in phases:
- Phase I (foundation improvements): The work that was originally planned as phase 1 will include foundation rehabilitation, which entails reinforcing the existing foundation, most of which is underwater. This work will require highly specialized expertise and equipment. The design is expected to be completed in summer 2020.
- Phase II (superstructure improvements): The work will entail removing and replacing deteriorated structural members. The design for Phase II has been completed and rehabilitation work is being bid out. Work is expected to take place throughout the entire 2020 construction season.
The planned rehabilitation work will require an extended closure of the bridge, the county said.
Watch the report from last week:
Advised detour:
Eastbound: Northbound W. Jefferson Avenue to Bridge Road, from Bridge Road to Meridian Road, and then back to Grosse Ile Parkway.
Westbound: Grosse Ile Parkway to Meridian Road, from Meridian Road to Bridge Road, from Bridge Road to W. Jefferson Avenue, and then back to Grosse Ile Parkway.