Officials: Devon Road Bridge in Worse Shape Than We Thought

After becoming “rudely awakened” about the true state of the Devon Road bridge, Committeeman Ben Young asked committee to approve $80,000 more for its repair at Monday night's township meeting.

Young said the extent of the issues with the bridge were not known until a contractor pulled the deck off to conduct repairs.

Over the years, Young said, water leaked through the road’s bed and caused more damage than engineers originally anticipated.

“There’s deterioration in the substructure,” Young said.

. The walk-over part of the bridge had been closed for quite some time and since June, no cars have been able to drive over it, either.

Earlier this year, about $120,000 was allocated for the bridge’s repair. In July, .

Add the next round of $80,000, and the project is nearly at $300,000.

County engineers were called in recently to give their recommendation. Young said the additional funds are for pilings, cap plates and new sheathing. After it’s finished, the bridge should last several more decades, officials said.

The time frame is still the same for repairs, said township engineer Fred Turek. Construction should move quickly and be finished before the winter.

Young said the contractor is on standby until the township makes its final decision.

Another bridge in town, over Wayne Drive, is . But, that project probably won’t be tackled until next year. That bridge is safe for travelers however there is a 9-ton limit.

Stay with Patch as additional information comes in.