MDOT to close John Beers Road bridge for three weeks, will save time and money

Contact: Nick Schirripa,
 schirripan@michigan.gov
269-337-3927

Agency: Transportation

Fast Facts:
- John Beers Road in Stevensville will be closed for repairs over I-94 from April 16 to May 6 with traffic detoured.
- Closing the road will lower the project cost, reduce disruption to traffic, and result in a higher quality bridge.
- Emergency response times will not be affected by the closure.

April 9, 2012 -- To reduce costs and minimize the inconvenience to motorists, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close the John Beers Road bridge over I-94 in Stevensville, Berrien County, for three weeks starting Monday, April 16, to complete bridge repairs.

Originally, traffic was going to be maintained on the John Beers Road bridge throughout the $825,000 project. However, the new three-week schedule will result in the bridge reopening in early May instead of October, resulting in higher quality construction at a lower cost.

"By allowing the contractor to completely close the John Beers Road bridge, work can be finished much faster. This will reduce the project cost and minimize traffic disruption, all while maintaining the same emergency response times for residents along the lake shore," said Chris Jacobs, MDOT resident construction engineer. "The finished product will be much better and last longer, stretching this taxpayer investment even further."

During the John Beers Road closure, traffic will be detoured to Notre Dame Avenue, Marquette Woods Road and Red Arrow Highway. I-94 traffic will be directed to use Exit 23 at Red Arrow Highway.

The bridge repairs will include repaving, repairing barriers, coating structural steel, repairing the substructure, and approach work. After work is complete on John Beers Road and the bridge is reopened, work will continue on the bridge from I-94. Some intermittent single-lane closures may be necessary.

All work on this project is scheduled to be complete by Aug. 10.

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