The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Detours are posted as road projects develop
By Sean Dalton, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 22, 2008
The Washtenaw County Road Commission has implemented a closure on the Main Street Bridge in Dexter that will affect eastbound travelers coming into the village.
Advertisement
According to Road Commission officials, the closure is necessary due to the failure of the roadway at the east end of the existing bridge.
This roadway failure is the result of an existing, previously unidentified void under the road approach.
The eastbound closure is expected to remain in place until late July, depending on the progress made in the construction of the northerly section of the new bridge.
The Road Commission has coordinated with the village government, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department and the Dexter Area Fire Department, to minimize interruptions in public safety service.
Various alternatives to repair the approach roadway were considered, according to Road Commission officials.
Being mindful of the health, safety and welfare of the public and construction personnel, the Road Commission determined that the eastbound closure is unavoidable.
Two posted detour routes have been established.
Eastbound Dexter-Pinckney Road motorists will follow North Territorial and Mast roads.
Eastbound motorists in the immediate vicinity of the bridge will follow Dexter-Chelsea, Parker, Jackson, and Baker roads, officials said.
"To maintain the safety of road crews, please continue to reduce speeds and drive cautiously through the work zone," said Val Cooper, Road Commission community relations officer.
"The posted speed limit within the project limits will remain at 25 mph. The Road Commission thanks you in advance for your patience as we continue these improvements for the county road system and the Village of Dexter."
Jackson Road reconstruction
The Road Commission also announced the start of Stage 1 road construction and boulevard extension on Jackson Road from the end of existing pavement near Lowe's Home Improvement Store through Dino Drive, west of Baker Road, in Scio Township.
The first stage of the project involves clearing activities, replacing the culvert for the Honey Creek tributary at Staebler Road and water main installation along both the north and south sides of Jackson Road.
Construction signs, barrels, barricades and temporary concrete barriers will be installed to maintain and direct traffic, according to Road Commission officials.
In addition, flagging operations will be in place to accomplish the work.
Intermittent traffic stoppages will be necessary and long traffic delays are likely. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and remain patient during these delays, Road Commission officials said.
The Jackson Road project is expected to last two years, with a completion date by the end of 2009.
The Road Commission pointed out that due to weather conditions that date is subject to change.
The posted speed limit within the project limits will be reduced to 40 mph.
Not all stories are guaranteed to appear
online. The Web edition contains a reasonable
sampling of the print edition stories.
For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to
subscribe
to the print edition of the paper.