What: Bridge Reconstruction Project
When: Beginning Monday, June 25, 2007 through October 2007
Where: Whittaker Road Bridge over Paint Creek, between Textile Road and Merritt Road in Ypsilanti Township
Why: Impending Full Closure (northbound/southbound), Traffic Detours
Background
Beginning on Monday, June 25, 2007, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will impose a FULL CLOSURE for BOTH NORTHBOUND and SOUTHBOUND WHITTAKER ROAD between Merritt Road and Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township for the continued reconstruction of the Whittaker Road Bridge over Paint Creek in Ypsilanti Township.
The WCRC implemented the closure and detour for southbound motorists on June 11, 2007. Numerous signs and barricades were placed to advise southbound motorists of the closure and detour route. Northbound traffic has been maintained, and was intended to be maintained during this bridge reconstruction project.
However, a surprising number of southbound motorists have continued to violate the signage, using the northbound lane to continue southbound. This is a critical safety concern, with the potential head-on collisions that could occur within the construction zone.
With the safety of the motoring public and the construction crews in mind, it has become necessary for the WCRC to now impose a closure and detour for both northbound and southbound motorists. The signed detour route for northbound motorists will follow Merritt Road, Hitchingham Road and Textile Road; as has been the case for southbound motorists since June 11.
With the implementation of this full-closure, the vehicular portion of the new bridge is expected to be open-to-traffic (both northbound and southbound) in October.
Access for residents, mail delivery and trash collection within the closure limits will be maintained. However, the bridge crossing will be completely closed.
The Road Commission thanks you in advance for your patience as these steps are taken to assure the safety of the motoring public and bridge construction crews.
Contact
If you have any questions concerning this project, please phone Aaron Berkholz, Construction Supervisor, at (734) 327-6682, or email berkholza@wcroads.org. If you require assistance with media information, please phone Val Cooper, Public Information Officer, at (734) 327-6675 or email cooperv@wcroads.org.