A bridge in Emmett Township will be closed all the way through the fall season due to poor conditions.

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on July 23rd that the bridge that crosses the Kalamazoo River at 11 Mile Road (M-311) will be closed starting July 29th. Construction at the site is expected to conclude on November 15th.

The bridge will be completely reconstructed. According to MDOT Southwest Region Communications Representative Nick Schirripa, normal routine maintenance will help the bridge last nearly 100 years. With the improved deck, the roadway will also be smoother than its current condition.

The bridge was built in 1959. It was last inspected of July 2018, where it was found that the deck (the road surface) and superstructure (support beams under the deck) were graded as a three (poor). The substructure (the concrete walls or pillars supporting the superstructure and deck) were rated as a six (fair).

Detoured traffic will send drivers along M-60, I-69 and M-96 in the area. The map below will also assist in alternative routes.

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