Construction Begins on Liberty Bridge

Construction work is underway on Liberty Bridge in Bay City. Bridge traffic has been reduced to one lane in each direction on the north side of the bridge so that work can be done on the south side. Contractors are beginning light demolition work – such as removal of light poles and railings.
Other construction details include:
Bridge deck removal on the south side of the bridge in preparation for pouring a new deck in April when temperatures warm up. Removing the deck will allow contractors to get large equipment and parts into areas currently not accessible.
Similar bridge deck removal work will shift to the north side of the bridge next summer.
Major upgrade and replacement work on the electrical and mechanical components of the bascule portions of the bridge will begin in January.

“It may seem odd to begin construction in winter, but we are working around the shipping season,” explains Kevin Bischel, BCBP project director. “We have important prep work to do now so that we can take full advantage of warmer temperatures in the 2022 construction season.
And we are committed to keeping the bridge open to vehicles as we do it.”

Bischel notes that there will be a brief time in the spring when both sides of the bridge will be closed and temporarily locked in the open position for ships.
“But we will give residents ample notice and will work to minimize the impact to travelers and local businesses,” he says.

Liberty Bridge spans the Saginaw River along E. Vermont Street/Woodside Avenue connecting the Midland Street Business District on the west and Downtown Bay City on the east.