East Delhi Road Bridge
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General Information The East Delhi Road Bridge over the Huron River is located between Huron River Drive and Delhi Court, in Section 2 of Scio Township; it is situated amidst scenic residential and the recreational landscapes of the Delhi Metropolitan Park. The original truss bridge at this location was built for horse and buggy traffic in the late 1800s. The current structure is a one-lane, truss bridge (reconstructed circa 1969) that has held a weight restriction of 3 tons from 1995, until its eventual closure in June 2005. It has a wooden deck, an overall width of 17.4 feet, and is 111.9 feet in length.
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Background
On June 15, 2005, an annual inspection was conducted by the Scott Civil Engineering Company on the current one-lane East Delhi Road Bridge, which revealed severe deterioration of the stringers and beam ends. The bridge inspector indicated that this and previous inspections showed the structure had steadily deteriorated to the point of failure. Therefore, upon the recommendation of the inspector, the Road Commission immediately CLOSED the East Delhi Road Bridge for the safety of the motoring public. (More History)
In December 2004, the agency hired a consultant, Mead & Hunt, and began taking steps to replace the structure by first conducting the required Environmental Assessment (EA) study of the bridge and surrounding area.
By 2006, the Road Commission received the final EA study and began to meet with Scio Township officials and local residents to determine the best replacement option for the bridge. During several public information meetings, the public outcry revealed that the area residents wanted to see the current one-lane structure remain, and petitioned the Road Commission to rehabilitate the bridge in lieu of its replacement.
Until recently, funding acquired through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Local Bridge Program (LBP), (formerly referred to as the "Critical Bridge Program"), was not permitted for use on rehabilitation projects. However, a recent change in this state/federal funding program allowed for certain projects to qualify - that is, those deemed to have "historic significance" - upon review and approval of MDOT.
After numerous meetings, reviews of proposed options, and discussions between the Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners, WCRC staff, MDOT, local officials, and the East Delhi Conservancy (a group comprised of local residents who want to retain the current structure), the Road Commission sought and was finally authorized by MDOT to utilize the LBP funds for rehabilitation of the East Delhi Road Bridge. The East Delhi Road Bridge is the first in the state to utilize LBP funds for the rehabilitation of a one-lane bridge.
Estimated total cost to rehabilitate the bridge is $1 million; plus an additional $60,000 for preliminary design and construction engineering, and $120,000 for construction oversight costs, such as materials testing, inspection costs (to ensure the bridge is built to federal and state standards), and permit fees. The LBP funding will cover 95% of the $1 million rehabilitation costs; the remaining 5% and other associated costs will be covered by the Road Commission, the East Delhi Conservancy, and Scio Township.
In December 2006, the Road Commission and Scio Township hired HH Engineering, LTD to provide design services for the East Delhi Road Bridge rehabilitation project. The bridge rehabilitation work, which will begin in July 2008, will include the rehabilitation of the existing 17.4-ft. wide x 111.9-ft. long steel truss, new abutments with 30-ft. long wingwalls, and the installation of new traffic signals at each end of the bridge – a safety requirement for the rehabilitation of a one-lane bridge for two-way traffic, mandated in order to receive Local Bridge Program funds. The bridge will also include many context sensitive designed aesthetics, such as natural field stone used for riprap (rocks placed along riverbed to reduce soil erosion), textured concrete abutments, and colored concrete surface sealer. The rehabilitated truss will also be repainted to match the existing color as closely as possible. In addition, some minor approach work will be required at the bridge, and new guardrails will be installed.
Project Updates
As of October 2, 2008The installation of cofferdams and removal of the abutments continued during this period. The contractor had a difficult time keeping the water outside of the cofferdam, so alternative solutions will have to be explored. Work on the truss is expected to begin the week of September 29. The interpretive display to be placed near the mill ruins was ordered by the East Delhi Bridge Conservancy on September 8. In addition, the East Delhi Rd Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in early September.
As of September 15, 2008The installation of cofferdams around the both abutments continued during this period. The progress has been slow due to several obstructions encountered during the work. To aid in the cofferdam installation, the contractor began to remove the abutments.
As of August 29, 2008The Contractor removed the truss from the foundations and moved it to the northeast side of the Huron River on August 15. The installation of cofferdams around the north abutment began the week of August 18. The site preparation by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority and the East Delhi Bridge Conservancy at the southwest corner of the bridge began the week of August 11. An interpretive display and benches will be installed at this location for viewing the rapids, East Delhi Bridge and the ruins from the Delhi Mill.
As of August 15, 2008The Washtenaw County Road Commission will move the existing truss bridge from the foundations in order to facilitate the repairs to the truss and the replacement of the foundations as part of the rehabilitation project for the East Delhi Road Bridge over Huron River in Scio Township. The truss will be picked up by two cranes, placed on a platform and pulled to the northeast corner of the bridge, where it will be rehabilitated. The reverse process will be used to return the truss to the bridge foundations in the fall.
As of July 17, 2008Construction activity is expected to commence the week of July 21, 2008 with the movement of the truss occurring the week of July 28th. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of November.
As of May 5, 2008WCRC staff prepared correspondence to Scio Township and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to address issues related to funding and design details. The MDOT bid opening took place on May 2, 2008 for this bridge rehabilitation project.
As of April 11, 2008This project has been advertised for the May MDOT bid letting. WCRC staff continued to coordinate the timely relocation of Detroit Edison facilities; this included a meeting with the Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority and DE to discuss the proposed location of DE poles and related easements. A cost-sharing agreement between Scio Township and the Road Commission for costs associated with the bridge construction has been prepared by WCRC staff.
Update as of March 28, 2008Road Commission staff attended the Washtenaw County Historic District Commission meeting on March 13, 2008 to provide an overview of this rehabilitation project. WCRC staff continue to coordinate utility relocation activities, including the review and revision of the proposed Detroit Edison facilities. The final plans and specifications have been completed and this project has been advertised for the May MDOT bid letting.
Update as of November 27, 2007Type, Size and Location (TS&L) plans were submitted on September 14, 2007. A utility meeting was held on November 13, 2007. Preliminary plans are expected to be submitted the last week of November. The project is still on schedule for an April/May bid-letting through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), with construction expected to start in July 2008.
Update as of September 21, 2007A Public Information Meeting was held on September 12, 2007, to update local officials and residents on the final design options decided upon by the Road Commission, Scio Township the East Delhi Road Conservancy. The Road Commission is moving forward with the design phase of this rehabilitation project.
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Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding these updates on Washtenaw County bridges and culverts, contact Kelly Jones, P.E., Bridge Engineer, at (734) 327-6647, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or via email at: jonesk@wcroads.org.