Deficient I-75 Rouge River Bridge Set For $80 Million Repair Project In 2017
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The I-75 bridge over the Rouge River is scheduled for a roughly $80 million deck replacement in 2017 amid safety worries.
Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman Diane Cross said Michigan's shortage of highway repair funds makes it impossible to replace the deck sooner or to spend about $300 million that would be needed for a new bridge.
"In the meantime, we continue to put Band-Aids on areas that need surgery," Cross told The Detroit News.
The bridge is classified as structurally deficient because of its deteriorating deck surface. The 48-year-old span carries four lanes of traffic each way. Concerns about safety were raised in recent months after potholes opened up through the roadway.
Michigan voters in May 5 will decide on a proposed tax increase for road repairs. Cross said it's "possible" that work could be done sooner if Proposal 1 passes.
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