St. Clair Today

Macomb County issued the following announcement on Dec. 13.

The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR), in partnership with Chesterfield Township, completed reconstruction of the Jefferson Avenue Bridge over the Salt River, which is now fully reopened to traffic.

The original bridge structure was built in 1928, was widened in 1952 and received a hot mix asphalt overlay in 2000. Work on the 91-year-old Jefferson Avenue Bridge began in May with the removal of the existing bridge and construction of the new bridge structure was completed in December.

“The Jefferson Avenue Bridge is a primary example of the strength of our community partnerships and what we can accomplish together,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “There isn’t a road or bridge we can’t fix if we have adequate funding.”

The bridge is one of more than 25 road and bridge improvement projects MCDR completed in 2019.

“The Department of Roads is proud to work with our local municipal partners, including Chesterfield Township, to provide the public with a quality road and bridge system,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “We are committed to improving Macomb County's infrastructure by effectively delivering quality road and bridge products.”

According to data from 2015, annual average daily traffic on Jefferson Avenue in the area was more than 13,000 vehicles per day. The replacement of the bridge cost approximately $3.5 million as part of MCDR’s construction program and included state and local funding. Associated work included:

• Complete reconstruction of the two span structure with precast concrete I-beams, concrete deck, aesthetic concrete abutments, pier, railings, and decorative lighting, as well as reinforced concrete approaches, riprap, guardrail, and pavement markings
• Installation of a new 14-inch HDPE water main.
• Reconstruction of approximately 600 feet of Jefferson Avenue, from the bridge to Killewald Street.
• Connection of a non-motorized pedestrian path and new access lanes for the future Webber Paddle Park site.

“The new bridge will be a source of pride for our community for decades to come,” said Chesterfield Township Supervisor Daniel Acciavatti. “The bridge replacement, along with the completion of the Webber Paddle Park, will improve access to the Salt River for recreational activities.”

To access pictures of the bridge, click here.

Original source can be found here.