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| Northbound lanes of I-75 across the Zilwaukee Bridge remain closed as work progresses on the bridge
Contact:
Anita Richardson 989-754-0878, ext. 227
Agency:
Transportation
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May 14, 2008 -- The northbound lanes of I-75 across the Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw County will remain closed through the Memorial Day weekend as work continues on the bridge. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) said the delay is due to problems encountered with the installation of new bridge bearings.
Work to replace the three-foot-diameter bridge bearings, which closed the northbound I-75 lanes, was suspended in early April when work crews cut several reinforcing bars in the bridge. The original as-built construction drawings did not show the reinforcement in that location. After consulting with design engineers and national experts, MDOT determined the safest and most appropriate solution was to install an exterior steel bracing system. The fabrication of this system will not be complete by Memorial Day.
"While we are working diligently to resolve this situation, this project is too important to rush the fabrication process," said MDOT Bay Region Engineer Tony Kratofil. "Our responsibility is to ensure the safety of all who travel state roadways. We regret the inconvenience to motorists."
Midwest Bridge Company of Williamston, the contractor for this $3.3 million project, will place the exterior steel bracing system on both sides of the north span of the bridge.
Motorists traveling northbound on I-75 are advised to use I-675 as an alternate route for the duration of the project. Weekend and Memorial Day holiday traffic is advised to seek alternate routes, such as US-127.
For up-to-date information on this project, go to the list of statewide lane closures on MDOT's Web site at www.michigan.gov/laneclosures.
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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