What: Ribbon-Cutting/Re-Opening Ceremony for the new Judd Road Bridge over the Ann Arbor Railroad
When: Tuesday, May 22, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Where: On the new Judd Road Bridge, located between Warner Road and Platt Road in Sections 10 and 15 of York Township
Why: This dedication ceremony will mark the official completion and reopening of the new Judd Road Bridge
Background
On June 26, 2006, the Washtenaw County Road Commission closed the Judd Road Bridge over the Ann Arbor Railroad to begin working on its removal, in order to make way for the construction of a new two-lane bridge and associated road improvements. It was anticipated that this project, located between Warner Road and Platt Road in York Township, would be completed by the end of 2006. However, work on was suspended on December 22, 2006, because of a number of delays last year caused by above-average precipitation in Michigan. Work resumed in April 2007, including the completion of the road approach work and restoration of the site.
The first step of this bridge replacement was to remove the existing timber structure. At the request of York Township and with the approval of the Board of County Road Commissioners, the original Judd Road Bridge was marked, disassembled and transported to Sandra Richardson Park, located on Platt Road approximately one mile from the original bridge site. The bridge will be reassembled by the Township for use as a pedestrian bridge.
Construction of the new bridge began immediately after the removal of the old structure. Based on concerns expressed by York Township and nearby residents regarding the aesthetics and impact of the bridge design, the new bridge is comprised of precast concrete arch sections. In order to provide adequate sight distance over the new bridge, the road approaches were significantly raised. To limit the physical impact on adjacent properties, retaining walls incorporating an aesthetic stone-textured face were constructed along the road approaches. Colored concrete surface sealer is scheduled to be applied to the arch and retaining walls to further enhance the structure’s appearance. The new two-lane bridge clears the underlying Ann Arbor Railroad track by 23.5 feet, thereby complying with the State of Michigan Railroad Code.
This bridge replacement project was funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Local Bridge Program (formerly the Critical Bridge Program). The Road Commission was notified of this funding award in April 2000. The award was based on structural and safety deficiencies in the existing bridge. The $1.6 million bid as submitted by the Walter Toebe Construction Company for the construction of the bridge was awarded through the MDOT in June 2006. Based on this bid price, the cost of construction has been funded though $1.3 million in federal funds, $240,000 in state funds and $80,000 in local funds, contributed by the Washtenaw County Road Commission. The Road Commission was also responsible for all costs associated with construction inspection, material testing and contract administration, which have been approximately $275,000.
The public is cordially invited to attend this re-opening/dedication ceremony.
Contact
To obtain additional information on this bridge replacement project, contact the Project Manager, Aaron Berkholz, Construction Supervisor, at 734.327.6682, or Val Cooper, Public Information Officer, Washtenaw County Road Commission, 734.327.6675.