Severely Deteriorated Bridge In West Bloomfield Closed Indefinitely
WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - The Road Commission for Oakland County has shut down a bridge in West Bloomfield Township because the structure is literally falling apart.
Officials say the Putnam Drive bridge over a Walnut Lake canal, just north of Walnut Lake Road and west of Inkster Road, is severely deteriorated.
The Great Lakes Engineering Group, bridge consultants for the road commission, recently inspected the bridge and determined that support beams can no longer handle the already reduced load capacity. They also discovered holes in the bridge deck.
The bridge was on an accelerated inspection schedule, meaning it was inspected frequently in recent years due to its condition.
Officials say at this point, funding has not been identified for bridge replacement, therefore the bridge is not scheduled to be rebuilt at this time.
The bridge was constructed in 1931 and mainly carries residential traffic. Alternate routes are available within the subdivision.