Harris Road Short-Span Bridge
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General Information The Harris Road Short-Span Bridge over Fowler Creek is located on a gravel road between Cherry Hill Road and Vreeland Road, in Sections 22 and 23 of Superior Township.
The original structure (circa 1960s) has held a posted 5-ton weight restriction since 1999, until it's closure on July 3, 2007.
Background
The Washtenaw County Road Commission CLOSED the Harris Road Bridge over Fowler Creek on July 3, 2007, upon the completion of a routine bridge inspection. The biennial inspection of this bridge, conducted by hired consultant Scott Civil Engineering, revealed severe deterioration and structural failure of an abutment. The bridge inspector recommended that the Road Commission impose an immediate closure of the structure for the safety of the motoring public. Up until this closing, the Harris Road Bridge had held a posted 5-ton weight limit restriction since 1999. This short-span bridge is estimated to be about 50 years old; approximately 100 vehicles traverse the Harris Road Bridge each day.
This bridge replacement project is scheduled for the 2008 construction season. The failed short-span bridge will be replaced with a new concrete box culvert. Estimated cost to replace the Harris Road Bridge is $80,000, which will be paid entirely by the Road Commission.
Project Updates
Update as of July 03, 2008
Bridge work has been completed and the road was reopened on July 2, 2008
Update as of June 11, 2008
Beginning on Monday, June 16, 2008, the Operations Heavy
Equipment Crew from the Washtenaw County Road Commission will begin work to
replace the Harris Road Bridge over the Fowler Creek, located between
Vreeland Road and Cherry Hill Road in Superior Township. The failed
short-span bridge will be replaced with a new concrete box culvert.
Substantial work completion and the reopening of Harris Road to the
traveling public is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2008, weather
permitting.
Update as of April 11, 2008
Shop drawings continue to be reviewed for the Harris Road box culvert.
Update as of March 26, 2008Road Commission staff continues to engage utility companies to maintain the schedule for the installation of this culvert in late April 2008, weather and road conditions permitting. Drawings of the proposed concrete culvert and wing walls have been received and are being reviewed.
Update as of November 27, 2007The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Washtenaw County Drain Commission (WCDC) permits have been approved and the design as been completed. Due to the material delivery schedule and weather conditions, it is expected that this bridge will not be replaced until the spring of 2008.
Update as of October 30, 2007The Road Commission is continuing to work to replace the Harris Road Bridge by the end of the year, weather permitting. Designs are being completed and the Road Commission is awaiting final approval from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), and the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner’s Office before proceeding with the installation of a new concrete box culvert. This replacement work will be completed by Road Commission Operations crews with the assistance of a contractor to lift the heavy sections of concrete box culvert into place.
Update as of August 9, 2007Survey information has been collected by the Road Commission and discharge information has been received from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
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Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding these updates on Washtenaw County bridges and culverts, contact Kelly Jones, P.E., Bridge Engineer, at (734) 327-6647, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or via email at: jonesk@wcroads.org.