Deterioration of Van Buren County bridge prompts new weight limit

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — After a routine inspection of a Van Buren County bridge revealed deterioration, officials are introducing a new weight limit.

The bridge, located in Columbia Township, carries traffic on 52nd Street over the south branch of the Black River, between 20th and 24th avenues. Around 145 vehicles use it each day, according to the Van Buren County Road Commission.

The commission says a routine inspection showed deterioration of the deck piling, which supports the bridge deck.

As a result, the road commission is introducing a weight limit of 7 tons, or 14,000 pounds, on the bridge. It will take effect once signs are posted, which should happen by next Thursday, July 25.

Leaders say the limit shouldn’t affect normal passenger vehicles.

“We will continue to work towards an interim repair and then will re-evaluate the restriction,” Road Commission Highway Engineer Barry Anttila said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the weight limit will reduce strain on the bridge and ensure safe passage until more significant repairs can occur.”

If your vehicle is too heavy for the bridge, the road commission says you should take this detour: 24th Avenue west to CR 215, CR 215 north to Main Street and Main Street east to 52nd Street.

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