WALKER, Mich. — A 117-year-old bridge in Walker is reopening after months of construction. The Bristol Bridge is set to reopen on Sept. 18.
Workers are currently ironing out final touches, like installing the asphalt layer and adding railroad ties. Final paving will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Previously, because of the Coopersville Monorail, only one car at a time could drive under the railroad bridge.
The improvements made included expanding the road to two lanes and adding a sidewalk.
Walker City Engineer Scott Conners told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that the revamp of the bridge has been a long time coming.
"Well, it's been a difficult project for a long time and I think that's why it's been sitting like this for 100 and 17 years," said Conners.
"We're fortunate to have come into some COVID relief funds that were dedicated to our region and a lot of our regional partners in the different communities and road agencies all kind of, circled around us and said, this is a project that everybody in the region knows about."
A project everyone knows about because the bridge has a history of being a frequent spot for car accidents.
"And [the bridge] was selected to get those funds and it's been a huge help," said Conners.
Shortly after the opening, there will be a lane closure to allow the concrete to be cured and stained.
The City of Walker reminds residents that only heavy truck traffic is allowed to use the Pannell Street bypass, anyone else will be ticketed.