VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Planned bridge repairs are soon beginning on I-196 in South Haven to extend the life of a roadway crossing.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says the repairs will begin on Monday, April 6th and are expected to be completed by August 15th for the Interstate-196 bridge over the Van Buren Trail.
MDOT records show the bridge was first built in 1963 and underwent remodeling decades later in 1995. The quality of the structure was given a mid-tier rating by the transportation agency, ranking at 6 out of a 10 point scale for structural integrity.
New work will replace guardrails, bridge railing, pavement, and involve structural patches to the bridges frame and support beam.
Drivers will still be able to pass over the bridge while construction is underway, with the highway being reduced to one lane for both directions of traffic.
