Maple Rd (Foster) Bridge

WHEN: Monday, September 22, 2025

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

WHY: Emergency bridge closure

BACKGROUND: On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) reopened the Maple Rd (Foster) Bridge between Huron River Dr and Country Club Rd in Ann Arbor Township.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has reduced the load rating on this structure due to the failed post-tensioning system, specifically a broken steel cable. The Maple Rd (Foster) Bridge between Huron River Dr and Country Club Rd in Ann Arbor Township is reduced to 5 tons.

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

ISSUE DATE: 09/22/25

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) would like to thank everyone who participated in the Virtual Public Meeting on Wednesday, September 10, regarding the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge in Ann Arbor Township. We sincerely apologize for the technical difficulties that occurred during the meeting and appreciate your patience as we worked to resolve them.

To ensure everyone has access to the information, the meeting video and presentation slides are now available on the project page. Additionally, we have posted responses to the frequently asked questions submitted via Zoom chat. These can be found under the “Helpful Links” section on the same page. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for email updates by visiting: https://www.wcroads.org/residents/subscribe-to-road-updates/

In the meantime, WCRC’s Operations Department will continue to monitor and maintain the designated detour route, including unpaved local roads—to support safe and reliable travel for residents and commuters.

Thank you again for your understanding and engagement.

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

PROJECT: Maple Rd(Foster) Bridge

WHEN: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Online: https://bit.ly/wcrcprojectmeeting

By Phone: (929) 205-6099, Meeting ID: 879 2332 8754

WHY: The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will hold a virtual project information meeting regarding the safe removal of the cable post-tensioning system (cable system) on the Maple Rd (Foster) Bridge in Ann Arbor Township.

The virtual public meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. There will be a brief presentation followed by time for questions from the audience. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project web page after the meeting.

Click here to learn more about joining the virtual meeting.

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

WCRC will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes or printed material being presented at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon a 5-business day notice. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Tiffany Oliphant, communications manager, by phone (734) 327-6646 or by email [email protected].

ISSUE DATE: 08/28/25

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), working with our bridge engineering consultants, have completed the design work necessary for the safe removal of the cable post-tensioning system (cable system) on the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge. The plans have been provided to the contractor. The contractor, Anlaan Corporation, has provided a cost and a tentative construction schedule. 

The contractor has been instructed to proceed with ordering equipment needed to accomplish the proposed work. The estimated delivery time on this equipment is three (3) weeks. The contractor intends to commence work upon delivery of the equipment. 

WCRC will share project details, including an update on the construction schedule, during a virtual public information meeting scheduled for: 

• Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m. 
• Join: Zoom link – https://bit.ly/wcrcprojectmeeting  or zoom by phone – (929) 205-6099, Meeting ID: 879 2332 8754 

Following the removal of the cable system, WCRC plans to reopen the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge over the Huron River, located between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road in Ann Arbor Township. 

The cable system, installed in 2003, is a structural component. Removal of the cable system results in an unavoidable reduction in the weight carrying capacity of the bridge. The bridge will reopen with a weight limit of 5 TONS to promote the structural integrity of the bridge and motorist safety. This weight limit will accommodate most passenger cars, SUVs, and light-duty pickup trucks. 

In the meantime, WCRC’s Operations Department will continue to monitor and maintain the designated detour route, including unpaved local roads—to support safe and reliable travel for residents and commuters. 

WCRC will provide project updates 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/ 

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) has received draft construction plans for the safe removal of the cable post-tensioning system on the Maple Road (Foster) Bridge. These plans are currently under review by WCRC staff and the contractor. Once the review is complete and the plans are finalized, the contractor will provide a cost estimate and proposed construction schedule. A construction timeline will be shared with the public when a contract is in place.

Ongoing design work, including WCRC staff and our engineering consultants at Great Lakes Engineering Group and Modjeski & Masters have provided the plans and specifications needed for the cable removal. The bridge, located over the Huron River between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road in Ann Arbor Township, will reopen with a reduced weight posting once the cable system – originally installed to increase load-carrying capacity – is removed. We expect to have the results of a load limit analysis this week. This will be used to determine the new weight posting. The public will be informed of this new weight posting.

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 is coordinating MDOT Rail maintenance work to coincide with the closure.

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 promote the 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), 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