October 30, 2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has concluded work on the US-2 Cut River bridge for this construction season, and lifted the detour route for the winter.
During this construction season, crews modified the existing bridge to enable removal of the bridge deck and to handle construction loads. Also completed were the repair of some substructure components and a partial painting of the substructure. The detour for the project, on Cut River Road, was lifted on Oct. 17 after the bridge was prepared and made safe for traffic.
"Safety for workers and motorists has been our top priority throughout this project," said John Batchelder, Newberry Transportation Service Center (TSC) manager.
While the bridge deck replacement project was originally scheduled to be completed in a single construction season, it was discovered that the bridge required additional structural steel reinforcement that was not originally anticipated.
When load limits are lifted on the detour route in the spring - anticipated for late April or early May - crews will resume work on the Cut River bridge. The concrete bridge deck, bridge approaches, and railings will be replaced.
The final modified completion date for the bridge is Aug. 29, 2009. Once the detour is lifted next year, MDOT will repave the Cut River Road detour route. That work is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 31, 2009.
The roadside parks located at each end of the Cut River bridge will remain closed until the bridge reopens to traffic next year.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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