Photos by Jim McBain, WCRC
On July 31, 2009, the Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners and Village of Dexter hosted an official “Rededication Ceremony” where local dignitaries, the Road Commission and Village staff, friends, and neighbors gathered to officially rededicate the Dexter Main Street Bridge into service for the Washtenaw County community.
Friday evening a supportive and enthusiastic community came out to witness the official Dexter Main Street Bridge RIBBON CUTTING ceremony and join in the festivities at Warrior Creek Park. Speakers David E. Rutledge, Washtenaw County Road Commission Chair, and Steven Puuri, Managing Director, were among the dignitaries who thanked the Road Commission and Village staff, construction crews, state and county officials, and an entire community for bringing the project to fruition. Refreshments were generously donated by local merchants.
The new 101-foot span concrete bridge boasts a 62-foot wide deck area that includes three traffic lanes and two 6-foot sidewalks. Decorative lighting and landscaped areas flank either end of the bridge. With the dam removed, Mill Creek flows unimpeded once again, improving fish and wildlife habitat and providing recreational opportunities. Village of Dexter officials now turn their efforts towards the development of Mill Creek Park.
Village of Dexter President,
Shawn Keough recognizes the vision and energy of those involved
in the project, “Once state funding was found through the
critical bridge program (now the LBP), the Village stepped up to
provide the necessary financial support required for the Road
Commission to complete design and construction of the new bridge
that we can both drive and walk safely over…The river that once
flowed freely through this area flows strongly once again and is quickly making a name for itself in the kayaking and canoeing
communities”.
“A special acknowledgment goes out to Aaron Berkholz, Project Manager, and the rest of our staff who diligently worked to ensure the successful completion of this critical bridge project”, states Steven Puuri, Managing Director of the Washtenaw County Road Commission. “But our sincere thanks and appreciation must be given to the area residents, business owners, and Village of Dexter officials, who maintained a positive and cooperative spirit as we worked through this very challenging project. Were it not for the financial support and commitment from MDOT and the Village, the Road Commission could not have successfully completed the project, while maintaining our required safety standards.”
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Rededication Program
~ RIBBON CUTTING ~
Introduction
David E. Rutledge, Chair
Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners
Special Acknowledgments
Pam Byrnes, State Representative
Michigan House of Representatives
Mark Ouimet, Commissioner
Washtenaw County
Steven M. Puuri, Managing Director
Washtenaw County Road Commission
Shawn Keough, President
Village of Dexter
Additional Comments
Paul Cousins, Trustee and Vice Chair
Village of Dexter Trustee
Huron River Watershed Council Vice Chair
