Grosse Ile outlines April start, weight limits and escort rules for two-month toll-bridge period

Grosse Ile Township officials told residents and business owners at a public meeting that the township expects a temporary shift to the privately operated toll bridge beginning about April 1 for roughly two months while a nearby free bridge is repaired.

The township supervisor said: "Approximately April 1 will be the start time. It'll be approximately 2 months," and described operational limits set after an engineering review. The supervisor added that the private owner of the toll bridge "can put any weight limit he wants on that bridge," and that township engineers recommended new operational thresholds to reduce the risk of damage while the township prepares upgrades.

Why this matters: The closure of the free bridge will route local and commercial traffic — including deliveries and construction-related vehicles — onto the toll bridge, which serves roughly 11,000 island residents. Officials said the temporary limits and escort rules are intended to keep the bridge operable for residents while the township and county complete repairs and longer-term upgrades.

Key details

- Timing: Officials said the purchase closing on the toll bridge is scheduled for March 31 and the temporary operational plan is expected to begin about April 1 and last about two months.

- Weight limits and escorts: Township staff said two-way, unescorted traffic will be limited to 24,000 pounds (about 12 tons) so two opposing vehicles can pass safely. For heavier loads,…