Engineers give detailed update on toll-bridge rehab; board creates toll-bridge commission and approves vendors and contracts
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Summary
Engineers reported that bridge inspection and compliance work is underway, including uploads to MDOT’s MyBridge system and a planned Level 2 scour analysis; the board created a toll-bridge commission, appointed members, and approved a vendor for the Bridge Pass system and a resolution supporting a state Senate bill to offset resident toll costs.
Contract engineers for the township’s toll bridge delivered an update on early-stage rehabilitation work and regulatory compliance, and the board took several related actions: it established a toll-bridge commission, appointed four members, approved a Bridge Pass service contract, and adopted a resolution supporting a state tax-credit bill for bridge users.
Mark (H and H, bridge engineer; last name not specified) described the scope of preliminary engineering work performed since the township acquired the bridge. He said inspection reports, underwater inspection reports, fracture-critical inspection reports, load-rating documentation and scour analyses have been uploaded or are being uploaded into Michigan’s MyBridge system, the database used for bridge inspection records. He said the team completed routine and detailed inspections and updated the MyBridge entries; a level 2 scour analysis is planned that requires channel-bottom sediment samples and hydraulic modeling. GEI Consultants will perform a mussel survey and collect sediment samples in late August; divers will collect samples to avoid the higher cost of barge drilling.
H and H has started historic-preservation coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) because the structure is historic. Mark said SHPO filings will document that the work will not substantially alter the bridge’s historic visual character; the most likely impact would be the addition of scour countermeasures (riprap or similar) if the level 2 analyses demonstrate foundation exposure.
Mark said the mechanical and electrical systems are expected to be substantially replaced, and that modern motors and PLC drives will be installed. He estimated the construction window for major rehabilitation work to begin in late summer 2026 for portions of the project, with some utility coordination and early work beginning sooner. He emphasized that federal and state compliance (MyBridge) is necessary to remain eligible for emergency bridge funding through Michigan’s critical bridge program.
Board actions: the trustees voted to create a Toll Bridge Commission and modified the commission membership to four community members and one township board member as the voting body, with the finance director and contracted engineer serving as nonvoting staff liaisons. The board appointed Darryl McCartney, Christine Dauhan Bailey, Chris Johnson and Patrick Smithbauer to the new commission. The board also approved a one‑year contract with Valet Manager Inc. (doing business as Parking Base) to host and operate the online Bridge Pass account system and approved continuing on-site equipment services through the incumbent PSX arrangement. The board approved a resolution supporting Michigan Senate Bill 459 of 2025, which would provide a state income-tax offset for residents who pay bridge user fees; the board’s resolution asks the state legislature to consider relief for island residents who pay tolls, particularly when alternative county bridges are closed.
Ending: Engineers said some construction and coordination tasks are scheduled for 2025–26 and that the township will continue permitting and SHPO coordination before producing final structural plans. The newly formed Toll Bridge Commission will begin meeting to provide oversight and to coordinate interagency matters with Wayne County and contractors.
