On July 3, 2007, the Washtenaw County Road Commission CLOSED the Seven Mile Road Short-Span Bridge over the Johnson Creek Tributary upon the completion of a routine inspection, which takes place every two years. This short-span bridge, estimated between 50 to 60 years old, is located between Currie Road and Chubb Road in Sections 2 and 11 of Salem Township. Based on a 1999 traffic count, approximately 4,000 vehicles cross over the Seven Mile Road Bridge daily.
The DETOUR ROUTE designated by the Road Commission for this bridge closure is Currie Road to Eight Mile Road to Napier Road.
The biennial inspection, conducted on June 21, 2007, by hired consultant Scott Civil Engineering, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, revealed severe deterioration and structural failure of several steel beams and both abutments. The bridge inspector recommended that the Road Commission impose an immediate closure of the structure for the safety of the motoring public. (View photo gallery)
Over the past decade, other inspections conducted on the Seven Mile Road structure resulted in weight limit reductions. After an inspection in 2000, the structure was reduced from a "no posting status" to 36 tons; in 2005, following another inspection, the bridge was reduced from 36 tons to a 12-ton weight limit.
Funding to replace this short-span bridge must be provided through local sources. Grant funding through the Local Bridge Program cannot be used to pay for the replacement of this structure. (See the FAQs below for further explanation of funding options.)
In that the Road Commission has been experiencing financial challenges since 2004 due to substantial revenue shortfalls in its primary source of funding - the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) - the Board of County Road Commissioners is currently considering any and all available local funding sources, as well as reviewing with Road Commission staff various design options and structure types that could be used to replace the Seven Mile Road Bridge as soon as possible.
In addition to the Seven Mile Road Bridge, there are currently six other bridges CLOSED in Washtenaw County, some of which are not slated for replacement due to funding shortfalls.
The replacement of the Parker Road Bridge over Mill Creek in Scio and Lima Townships is already underway. This primary road bridge was closed in April 2006; its replacement will cost approximately $1.4 million.
Additionally, the East Delhi Road Bridge over the Huron River in Section 2 of Scio Township, has been closed since June 2005; it is the only currently closed bridge that will be addressed during next year’s construction season. This bridge is included in the Road Commission’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and scheduled for rehabilitation in 2008. Funding for the rehabilitation of the East Delhi Road Bridge requires a 50% match from local sources; therefore, revenues are being provided through MDOT’s Local Bridge Program, the Road Commission, Scio Township, and the East Delhi Bridge Conservancy, which is comprised of area residents. It is anticipated that total rehabilitation costs will be approximately $1.3 million.
Additional Local Road Bridges that are currently CLOSED
- The Harris Road Short-Span Bridge over Fowler Creek in Sections 22 and 23 of Superior Township, which was also closed on July 3, 2007 due to structural failure, is not being considered for replacement at this time due to current Road Commission funding constraints. (View photo gallery)
- The Schleweis Road Bridge over Iron Creek in Section 26 of Manchester Township was removed in the early to mid-1990s. This bridge is not being considered for replacement at this time due to current Road Commission funding constraints.
- The Bell Road Bridge over the Huron River in Section 12 of Dexter Township was removed from the road system in 1998. This bridge is not being considered for replacement at this time due to current Road Commission funding constraints.
- The Klinger Road Bridge over Mill Creek in Section 31 of Lima Township has been closed since 2005. This bridge is not being considered for replacement at this time due to current Road Commission funding constraints.
Frequently asked questions about the Seven Mile Road Bridge:
- What would be an estimated cost to replace the Seven Mile Road Bridge?
- Unknown at this time. The costs will depend upon the type of short-span bridge or culvert selected by Road the Commission and determined to be the best and most cost-effective replacement of the current structure.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a culvert?
- A structure is considered to be a "bridge" when it is longer than 20 feet. Bridges are eligible to receive funding (approximately 95%) through the Local Bridge Program, which is allocated by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Any structure shorter than 20 feet is considered to be a "short-span bridge" or a "culvert." The difference between these two structures is simple; a short-span bridge has abutments, beams and a deck, whereas, a culvert is a pipe or concrete box with earth placed on top of it. The Seven Mile Road Bridge is considered to be a "short-span bridge."
- Where will the funding come from to replace the Seven Mile Road Short-Span Bridge?
- Maintenance and replacement of short-span bridges and culverts are the sole responsibility of the local agency and must be 100% funded through local sources.
- When was the last time this bridge received any major repairs and/or was replaced?
- The Seven Mile Road Bridge was widened at some point after its original installation; however, the Road Commission has no record of when this widening occurred. There are also no records of this structure having been replaced since it was installed an estimated 60 years ago.
- How many vehicles per day cross over the Seven Mile Road Bridge?
- Based on a 1999 traffic count, approximately 4,000 vehicles per day traverse this bridge.
- What would be the timeframe to replace the Seven Mile Road Bridge if local funding were made available?
- It is unknown at this time. If approvals were expedited, and a pipe culvert was permitted to be placed at this Seven Mile Road crossing, it would be about four months before the replacement could be completed. If a culvert replacement is not permitted, the construction of another short-span bridge would take a much longer period of time. This is based on the assumption that funding would be secured for either a culvert or a short span bridge replacement.
- If approved, what type of culvert might be used to replace the Seven Mile Road Bridge?
- One option being explored by the Road Commission Design staff is an elliptical cmp (corrugated metal pipe) culvert. Use of this type of structure for replacement is dependent upon approval from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
Contact
If you have any questions regarding these bridge closures, please contact Kelly Jones, P.E. at (734) 327-6647 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. If you require assistance with media information, please contact Val Cooper, Public Information Officer, at (734) 327-6675 or via email at: cooperv@wcroads.org.