Maple (Foster) Rd Bridge

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), along with its engineering consultants Great Lakes Engineering Group and asters, are preparing plans to remove the post-tensioning system from the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge over the Huron River. The bridge is located between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road in Ann Arbor Township.

WCRC and its consultants are currently developing detailed plans and specifications for the safe removal of the post-tensioning system. This planning process is expected to take up to six weeks. Once the plan is finalized, WCRC will coordinate with a qualified contractor to schedule and complete the removal work. A timeline for construction has not yet been established.

The post-tensioning system was originally installed to enhance the bridge’s structural load carrying capability. After the system is removed, WCRC and its consultants will reassess the bridge’s load rating. The bridge will reopen with a new, lower weight restriction.

At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for completing any work on the bridge. In the interim, WCRC’s Operations Department will continue to monitor and maintain the designated detour route, including the unpaved local roads, to ensure safe and reliable travel for residents and commuters.

WCRC will provide project updates every two weeks on the bridge’s dedicated project page. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for email updates by visiting: https://www.wcroads.org/residents/subscribe-to-road-updates/

We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to assess and ensure the long-term safety and stability of the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge.

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327- 6648 or [email protected].

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), in collaboration with its engineering consultant Great Lakes Engineering, is conducting a detailed evaluation of the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge over the Huron River. The bridge is located between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road in Ann Arbor Township.

This review follows the discovery of a broken steel cable which is part of the bridge’s post-tensioning system, reported to WCRC on Sunday, June 9, 2025. The post-tension system is a structural component designed to add strength and reliability to the bridge. Given the condition of the post-tensioning system, WCRC and its consultants are evaluating options and will perform a revised load rating for the bridge.

The evaluation process is expected to take up to 30 days. This cautious approach ensures the safety of the traveling public by helping to prevent any additional unexpected failures. If the assessment concludes that removal of the post tension system is necessary, WCRC will hire a contractor to perform the work. After which the bridge will be reopened with a new, lower weight limit to reflect the updated structural capacity. Clear signage will be installed in multiple locations to alert drivers of the changes.

At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for completing any work on the bridge. In the interim, WCRC’s Operations Department will continue to monitor and maintain the designated detour route, including the unpaved local roads, to ensure safe and reliable travel for residents and commuters.

WCRC will provide project updates every two weeks on the bridge’s dedicated project page. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for email updates by visiting: https://www.wcroads.org/residents/subscribe-to-road-updates/

We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to assess and ensure the long-term safety and stability of the Maple Road Bridge.

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327- 6648 or [email protected]

On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) issued an emergency closure of the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge over the Huron River, located between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road in Ann Arbor Township. The closure is due to a failure in the bridge’s post-tensioning system, specifically a broken steel cable, which must be repaired before the bridge can safely reopen. 

WCRC was alerted to the issue on Sunday, June 8, 2025, when a boater observed a potential structural concern and reported it. The damaged steel cable is part of the post-tensioning system installed during a major rehabilitation project in 2003. Notably, a routine inspection conducted in May 2025 did not reveal any issues with the cable at that time. 

The Maple Road (Foster) Bridge is a truss bridge that is nearly 150 years old. In 2022, WCRC completed additional improvements to the bridge, including cleaning, painting, and enhancements to the roadway approaches, such as drainage and guardrail upgrades. However, those improvements did not involve work on the post-tensioning system. 

WCRC is actively collaborating with its bridge inspection and design consultant, as well as the contractor involved in the 2003 rehabilitation, to determine the next steps. The team is evaluating the potential scope of repairs, estimated costs, and a schedule to restore the bridge’s structural integrity. 

At this time, there is no timeline for completing the repairs. WCRC’s Operations Department is aware of the designated detour route and will continue to monitor and maintain the unpaved local roads along the detour to address any surface concerns. 

WCRC will provide updates as more information becomes available on the project page. We encourage residents to subscribe for email updates at this link https://www.wcroads.org/residents/subscribe-to-road-updates/ 

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327- 6648 or [email protected]. 

Pictured is a post-tension system (broken steel cable) on the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge over the Huron River, located between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road in Ann Arbor Township.

WHEN: Monday, June 9, 2025

WHERE: Maple (Foster) Rd Bridge over the Huron River, between Huron River Dr and Country Club Rd in Ann Arbor Township

WHY: Emergency bridge closure – due to structural concern

BACKGROUND: On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has closed the Maple (Foster) Rd Bridge over the Huron River between Huron River Dr and Country Club Rd in Ann Arbor Township. The closure follows a recent observation that identified a structural concern requiring immediate attention.

The bridge will remain closed to all traffic until further notice. WCRC is currently assessing the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

 CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327- 6648 or [email protected].

 ISSUE DATE: 06/09/25