When:
November 26, 2008
Background:
The Washtenaw County Road Commission announced today the Liberty Road Bridge replacement project has been completed, and the road was officially reopened to the traveling public on Wednesday, November 26,2008.
The former short-span bridge over the Haas Drain was located on Liberty Road between Steinbach Road and Dancer Road in Lima Township. On July 10, 2007, the Washtenaw County Road Commission closed the Liberty Road Bridge over the Haas Drain upon the completion of a routine inspection. The inspection revealed severe deterioration and structural failure of the bridge and abutments. The bridge inspector recommended that the Road Commission impose an immediate closure of the structure for the safety of the motoring public.
The bridge was one of seven short-span bridges and culverts in Washtenaw County that the Road Commission was forced to close in 2007, following routine, biennial inspections.
In August of this year, the Road Commission's Heavy Equipment Crew removed the old, failed bridge. Through a collaborative effort during September, the Lenawee County Road Commission removed the old bridge foundations and installed timber piles to support the new bridge. Over the last 3 weeks the Heavy Equipment Crew completed installation of the new 24' wide by 24' long timber bridge.
The Road Commission thanks out community partners and the traveling public for their patience and support while we replaced this bridge. For more information and continual updates on other projects, visit the Road Commission website at www.wcroads.org.