Drivers Face Temporary Bridge Closure in Oakland County
Drivers in Oakland County should be aware of a temporary bridge closure that will impact their daily commutes. Starting Monday, the Coolidge Highway Bridge near 10 Mile Road is closed for construction. This bridge, located on the border of Oak Park and Huntington Woods, serves as a key thoroughfare for many residents.
The closure has already caused some concern among local drivers. Erica Johnson, an Oak Park resident, shared her experience: “I just go around it. I use the side streets.” Meanwhile, Dan Rosenberg, a Huntington Woods resident, expressed his frustration: “I’m not excited about it. I won’t be driving that way. I definitely think it’s going to bother a lot of people.”
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has shut down the bridge to allow for necessary repairs. The work includes deck patching and joint replacement. According to MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross, the project involves false decking underneath the bridge, ensuring that nothing will fall onto the traffic below.
This bridge closure is part of a larger initiative known as the Restore the Reuther project, which spans between I-696 and I-75. It is one of dozens of bridges receiving improvements as part of a multi-million-dollar effort to enhance infrastructure in the region.
While the closure may seem inconvenient, some drivers are trying to stay positive. Anthony Gavin, a Detroit resident, said, “It’s only temporary. You want to see improvement, so they’re making improvement.” He added that the inconvenience is worth the long-term benefits.
Despite the disruption, MDOT assures drivers that the work will take approximately a month and is expected to be completed by late August, depending on weather conditions. The service drive on both sides of 10 Mile Road remains open, allowing for continued traffic flow.
For those who need to cross Coolidge Highway, turnarounds are available to help drivers reach the other side. While the detour may add a few minutes to daily commutes, most drivers are adapting to the changes.
Local residents have been vocal about the impact of the closure. Some express frustration over the extra time required to navigate alternate routes, while others understand the necessity of the repairs. As one driver put it, “Nothing we can do, so just be positive and hope for the best and just be patient.”
The closure of the Coolidge Highway Bridge highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the region’s infrastructure. While the temporary inconvenience is a challenge, the long-term goal is to ensure safer and more reliable transportation for all.
