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Jackson and Mechanic streets railroad bridge replacements project in Jackson - Update #7

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will continue road closures on Mechanic, Blackstone, Van Buren, and Detroit streets in Jackson to allow crews to safely work. The century-old Jackson and Mechanic Street railroad bridges will be simultaneously replaced Aug. 9-13 during a 120-hour closure of railroad traffic.

Mechanic Street:
The bridge substructure work is now complete. The contractor is currently assembling the single span, three-through plate girder bridge superstructure that will span over a roadway 24 feet face to face of curbs.  A 14-foot wide, non-motorized culvert will be installed behind the west abutment.

Jackson Street:
The bridge substructure work was completed in 2022. The contractor currently is assembling the proposed single span, two-through plate girder, spanning over two enhanced sidewalks and a roadway 26 feet face to face of curbs. 

Blackstone Street:
Blackstone Street reopened to traffic in June. The contractor has completed most of their work at the new at-grade railroad crossing. The crossing surface has been upgraded along with new curb, sidewalks, and improved drainage.

Looking Forward:
The pair of bridge superstructures are being built off-site in preparation to be moved into place using a Self-Propelled Modular Transport System (SPMT). Both bridge superstructures will be removed and replaced, which is currently scheduled to take place Aug. 9-13. The railroad grade will be raised to its new alignment and the retaining wall ground anchors will be permanently locked off to support the retaining walls. The project will be closed out with the replacement of curb and gutters, roadway paving and alignment, and turf restoration. The target date for reopening the local streets to traffic is late October.

Traffic restrictions:
Closures will resume on Blackstone Street starting on Aug.7 through Aug. 13. Jackson, Mechanic, Detroit, and Van Buren Street will remain closed through late October. Motorists should follow the posted detours. 

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, visit the project webpage, call 517-780-7540 or e-mail MDOT-JacksonTSC@Michigan.gov. Time-lapse and drone videos are available online