Jackson and Mechanic streets railroad bridge replacements project in Jackson - Update #4

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) began a project to replace two century-old railroad bridges over Jackson and Mechanic streets in March 2022. The project also includes replacing the railroad grade crossing at Blackstone Street. The project required closing several city streets to complete the work safely. Updates on the progress of the project as of Oct. 19 are below.

Mechanic Street
The contractor has finished pouring concrete on the north half of the two west abutment walls. The northwest wingwall has been poured and backfilled. The ground anchors on the northeast retaining wall have been tensioned to the final lock-off load and railing has been installed along the top of the wall.

Jackson Street
The contractor has completed installation of the structural walers on the top row of the northwest retaining wall and has tensioned the ground anchors to the initial lock-off load to switch train traffic to the north track. The contractor has finished pouring concrete at the eastern abutment and wingwalls and has poured the footings for the west abutment and wingwalls.

Looking forward:
Work will continue with completing most of the poured concrete and retaining wall work this year. The contractor will temporarily suspend work for the winter on Nov. 22 and then continue next spring. The abutment work at Mechanic Street, the southwest retaining wall at Mechanic Street, and the bridge superstructure replacements will take place next year. The project has experienced delays due to a utility conflict with micropiles at Mechanic Street.

Traffic restrictions:
Jackson and Mechanic streets will be closed to traffic but will reopen on Nov. 23; however, Detroit and Van Buren streets will remain closed through the winter. Motorists should continue to follow the posted detours. Jackson and Mechanic streets will be closed again in the spring when the contractor begins working.

Safety benefit:
Replacing these bridges will provide smooth and safe railroad operations, maintaining this vital part of the state's economy. Closing streets during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for work crews and motorists. 

For more information about the project, visit the Jackson railroad bridges project webpage. For timelapse and drone videos, visit this link.