The Napier Avenue bridge over the St. Joseph River is expected to reopen to public traffic by Memorial Day weekend. The Berrien County Road Department announced Thursday construction crews are working to have one lane in each direction back open by that time. Interim Director Kevin Stack told county commissioners Thursday work to get the bridge ready for traffic again started soon after it was closed.
“As of right now, the bridge has been stabilized,” Stack said. “It was stabilized April 29, which was the Friday after it was closed, that Tuesday. Contractors worked to about 11:30 at night underneath that bridge welding, to get temporary supports in place.”
The Napier bridge was shut down last month when crews doing a rehabilitation project on it saw a rocker arm fail. Stack said the bridge was reopened to police traffic and ambulances last week.
“It’s working very well. We’ve shifted traffic once for them, and notified them and it seems the word gets around very quickly so they’re able to accommodate their travels. We are monitoring it right now. So, basically what we’re doing is simulating live traffic.”
Stack promised more updates for the public as progress is made on getting the bridge ready for Memorial Day safely. He said the road department is putting all sorts of weight on it, and it’s holding up perfectly. He said safety will not be sacrificed just to get the bridge back open in time for Memorial Day.
