JOIN
US, as we celebrate the official East Delhi Bridge
Rededication ceremony, Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Delhi Metropark.
Enjoy food, music, and fun; meet area citizens, local officials,
and Washtenaw County Road staff. Take advantage of photo
opportunities on the Historic East Delhi
Bridge, and witness the official Ribbon Cutting
ceremony. A pot luck dinner is planned. The
Rededication event, which runs from 5-8 pm., is hosted by the
Washtenaw County Road Commission and Citizens for
the East Delhi Bridge Conservancy.
The beautiful and Historic East Delhi Bridge, originally erected in the village of Delhi Mills in the late nineteenth century, was restored to its original grandeur and reopened to vehicular traffic in August, 2009. The (about) 120-year-old Pratt truss bridge was closed in 2005 due to severe deterioration. Rehabilitation and reopening of the bridge has been made possible through the efforts of residents, local government, and the Washtenaw County Road Commission, as well as contributions by the Kellogg Foundation and the Huron Clinton Metropark Authority.
Construction cost to rehabilitate the bridge totaled $1.2 million; plus an additional $60,000 for preliminary design and engineering, and $120,000 for materials testing, inspection, and fees. The Michigan Department of Transportation's Local Bridge Program (LBP) covered 95% of the $1.2 million construction costs. The remaining 5% was covered by the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Citizens for the East Delhi Bridge Conservancy, the Huron Clinton Metropark Authority, and Scio Township. Delhi Mills residents agreed to cover the cost of bridge maintenance with a special assessment tax.
The East Delhi Bridge is the first in the state to utilize LBP funds for the rehabilitation of a one-lane bridge.
A group of concerned citizens who understood the benefits a beautiful and Historic truss bridge has to offer a community, worked successfully to save the bridge and see it rehabilitated. The Citizens for the East Delhi Bridge Conservancy created a Mission Statement: “We resolve to: Preserve the aesthetics of the historical East Delhi Bridge by maintaining its original one-lane design, retaining its classic trestle structure, and recognizing it as a Historic Landmark.” Conservancy member, Scott Hedberg, praises the group, “The original mission statement is accomplished in full. Good job team!”
Steven Puuri, WCRC Managing Director, acknowledges the
determination and efforts of the Washtenaw County community in
saving the bridge. “Early on this renovation project was
not possible due to federal funding limitations; however the East
Delhi Conservancy persevered, so we were able to renovate this 120
year old bridge and celebrate this wonderful accomplishment.
Much of the credit for saving this bridge goes to Representative
Byrnes, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the County
Commission, Scio Township, the East Delhi Conservancy, and the
Road Commission.”
Join us for the official
East
Delhi
Bridge
Rededication
Hosted by the
Washtenaw County Road Commission
and
Citizens
for the
East Delhi Bridge Conservancy
Delhi Metropark ~ North Pavilion
Sunday, September 13
5:00 to
8:00 p.m.
Rededication Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
~ Pot Luck Dinner ~
Please
bring a dish to pass
Conservancy accepting donations
for refreshments
Please bring a side dish, beverages (non-alcoholic or beer / wine only), table service, and lawn chairs for your family.
