Bridge Closure in Lyon Township Set for November 18th Due to Safety Concerns

Bridge Closure in Lyon Township: What You Need to Know!

Hey there, Lyon Township residents! If you’re planning to drive on Spaulding Road anytime soon, we’ve got some important news that you need to be aware of. The Spaulding Bridge will be closing its gates on November 18th due to its deteriorating condition. Yes, that’s right! This bridge, which crosses over the Novi-Lyon Drain, has been under scrutiny, and after careful consideration, the officials have decided it’s time to shut it down.

Why is the Bridge Closing?

The decision comes as a part of a larger safety initiative by the Road Commission for Oakland County. They assessed the bridge’s structure and deemed it no longer safe for regular traffic. According to Commissioner Managing Director Dennis Kolar, “While these bridges are not at risk of immediately collapsing, in an abundance of caution, we opted to close both now rather than risk motorists driving on them as they continue to deteriorate.”

And it’s not just the Spaulding Bridge that’s in trouble. The Emburke Boulevard Bridge in Waterford Township, which crosses the Clinton River, is also facing a similar fate. Safety comes first, folks, and it looks like the officials are taking this matter seriously.

A Look at Traffic Impact

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the traffic situation. Spaulding Road is a gravel road, and it sees about 370 vehicles per day. It’s an essential route for many locals, and this closure isn’t just going to be a minor inconvenience. If you use this road regularly, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

So what’s the detour? During the closure, here’s the route you’ll want to take: head west on 11 Mile Road to Pontiac Trail, then north to east on Pontiac Trail, then navigate south to Milford Road, continue west to 12 Mile Road, and finally take that back to Spaulding Road — simple enough, right? Well, it might add a little extra time to your commute, so make sure to give yourself plenty of wiggle room!

Plans for Replacement

The bright side? The Road Commission has identified funding for both bridge replacements. While the closure is unfortunate, they assure us that solid plans are in place to get these structures back on track—at least once the funding is available. This means that Lyon Township and the surrounding areas can look forward to safer, brand-new bridges in the near future!

While change is coming, patience will be required from everyone who uses these vital routes. It’s all about ensuring everyone’s safety, and that’s something we can all agree is essential. Stay tuned for future updates as more information becomes available on the timelines for the new bridges and what else the Road Commission is planning!

Conclusion

In the meantime, prepare for detours and keep an eye on local traffic news to stay updated. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to local officials—they’re here to help you navigate this traffic hiccup! Safe travels, Lyon Township, and remember to drive carefully while those changes are underway!