Drivers in Oakland County are in for a detour-heavy summer after an urgent shutdown of a major bridge on Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Township. Discovered with a gaping hole that could swallow a tire whole, the bridge over the Clinton River was closed immediately rather than in June as initially scheduled, leaving more than 7,300 daily commuters to seek alternate routes.
According to WWJ, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) had known the bridge, dating back to 1963, was deteriorating. RCOC spokesperson Craig Bryson noted, "We knew this bridge was in a deteriorated shape. Again, we didn't think it was at great risk of collapsing, even with a hole in it. But... the hole itself could be dangerous if somebody's tire falls into it, you blow out or whatever." Emphasizing public safety, Bryson added, "And we certainly don't want to risk anything like a bridge collapse."
The emergency has fast-tracked construction plans, with the bridge replacement effort slated to stretch through October at a cost of roughly $3.5 million. The project's funding is sourced from a state Local Bridge Program grant, with additional contributions from RCOC and Waterford Township.
Detailed by The Road Commission for Oakland County, the replacement includes scrapping the old pedestrian bridge, erecting a pre-cast concrete bridge, and improving nearby infrastructure, including storm sewers and guardrails. Pedestrians, often forgotten in these tales of civil engineering, will not be left out as a new walkway is also in the blueprint. As Z Contractors Inc. of Shelby Township takes charge of construction, planned detours will route traffic around the significant artery via Airport Road, Highland Road (M-59), and Crescent Lake Road.
The inconvenience, though palpable for residents and business owners between Irwin Drive and North Pine Grove Avenue, comes with maintained access. While the bridge they once traversed will yield to the passage of time and the wear of elements, those seeking updates on the course of this necessary overhaul of concrete and steel can visit RCOC's website or reach out to their contact centers for inquiries.
