DETROIT — State Representatives Frank Liberati (D-Allen Park) and Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) received a tour of the Interstate 75 bridge over the River Rouge on Monday to understand the scope of the work and how it will affect their districts. Rep. Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights) also participated in the tour. The bridge is the only major thoroughfare that connects Detroit to many Downriver communities.
“This bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for residents and businesses alike,” Liberati said. “I’m thankful that the Michigan Department of Transportation granted us this opportunity to get a better understanding of the magnitude of a project this size.”
The River Rouge Bridge is actually the largest bridge in Michigan by deck area, beating the Mackinac Bridge by about 100,000 square feet. The $145 million project will begin in February 2017 and is projected to be completed by November 2018. The project will also completely replace the 1,100 foot long Goddard Road Bridge and repairs to eight other bridges.
“We need to have a complete idea of how these infrastructure improvements will affect the residents of Detroit and surrounding communities, along with any environmental impact,” Chang said. “I look forward to continuing to work with MDOT and my colleagues in order to mitigate these impacts and keep our constituents informed.”
MDOT will be hosting the first of many public information meetings to discuss the project and any concerns from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at Lincoln Park Middle School, 2800 Lafayette Blvd. in Lincoln Park.
For additional information about the project please visit www.75rougeriver.com or email mdot-75rougeriver@michigan.gov with any questions.