Bridge Replacement Update in Commerce Township

Residents of Commerce Township, take note; there’s been a slight shuffle in the much-awaited reopening of the Farr Street Bridge. Initially due to swing open its entryway before the school year kick-starts on August 26, it has now been pushed back to September 20.

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), brought this delay to the public’s attention on August 24. A combo of tardy arrivals for the precast bridge components and unforeseen weather disruptions have thrown a wrench in the project’s timeline. But rest assured, the RCOC is taking every step to keep the disruption minimum.

With the start of school just around the corner, and the need for easy access to nearby Commerce Elementary School, immediate changes have been implemented. Starting Monday, August 26, school buses will now follow the West Commerce Road-Broadway Street-Farr Street circuit.

Parents, for dropping off those little scholars at the school, consider using Comstock or Ponderosa streets. This suggestion comes directly from the RCOC to ensure a hassle-free commute.

Understandably, this delay may raise some eyebrows, but the renowned Dennis Kolar, RCOC Managing Director, requests for patience. “Our priority is to ensure the bridge is fully operational and meets all safety standards before it reopens to traffic”, stated the veteran administrator.

The bridge revamping, which commenced on June 24, is a nearly $1.7 million project. Most of the monetary fuel comes from the Michigan Local Bridge program, with RCOC pumping in the remaining funds. The redevelopment scope includes:

• Replacing the failing old structure that had a pair of nine-foot-diameter culverts.
• Establishing a longer bridge to pave the way for a future sidewalk on the north side.
• Tidying up Farr Street with asphalt paving between Broadway and Elkin streets.
• Setting up new curbs and gutters around the culvert vicinity.
• Improving drainage.
• Creating a new pathway to green adventurer’s portal to Mill Race Park.

The contracted muscle behind the project is the local giant, C.A. Hull Company. Residents may check out the Farr Street Culvert Replacement page on the RCOC official website for more details. For any queries concerning the project, reach out to RCOC via their provided online and offline channels.

A Little Longer, A Lot Safer!

Dear township dwellers, it’s just one more month. And on the bright side, this extra time is further assurance that safety measures are not being rushed or overlooked. The bridging gap between anticipation and realization is about to close, and it’s about to do so in the safest possible way!