|
Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| M-21 Grand River Bridge | M-21 (Fulton Street) Over Grand River | Ada: Kent County, Michigan | Metal Stringer, Stationary | 1957 By: Brown Brothers |
|
Technical Facts |
| Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| 480 Feet (146.3 Meters) | 57.7 Feet (17.6 Meters) | 7 | None |
This bridge is noteworthy for its length. At 480 feet, it is among Michigan's largest historic bridges. The bridge is also wide, as a four-lane structure with sidewalks. The structure is also considerably skewed. The structure retains fair historic integrity. The addition of modern Armco railings to the historic railings diminished the structure's beauty and historic value.
One interesting fact is that the nearby Thornapple River was rerouted during the construction of this bridge.
This bridge's superstructure was rated with poor structural condition on the 2004 national bridge inventory. This, coupled with Pink markers during the visit to this bridge with "MDOT" written on them was enough reason to worry. However, a January 3rd article from Mlive.com confirmed the fate of this bridge.
"We know we're going to replace the structure. What it's going to look like in the end hasn't been determined yet," said MDOT Communications Representative Dawn Garner.
The new bridge may include a pedestrian and
bicycle path with a non-motorized trail running underneath the bridge and then
up to the bridge deck.
The bridge may also include an open railing system that maintains the scenic
views of the Grand River corridor while adding decorative lighting and
landscaping.
Ada Supervisor George Haga said that both projects might begin construction in
2009 with public discussion on the bridge in 2008.
The new bridge was proposed in October after township officials and residents
deemed the bridge an essential "gateway" to Ada Village. They met for a weeklong
brainstorming session that addressed ways to redesign Ada. The new M-21 bridge
design was suggested, as it reflects the character of Ada and enhances its role
as an entry into the village.
Ada's plans for this crossing represent a waste of money and a poor path to
improving the community. For instance, they mention that the new bridge will
have an "open railing system." The reality is, if the Armco railings were
removed from the existing bridge, not only would the railing system be an "open
system" it would be an attractive one as well. Surely a bridge even with a small
amount of historical value would add more character to Ada than any modern
bridge could. In addition, the bridge is in poor condition, but it could be
restored, likely for less raw dollars than replacement. If Ada wants to improve
the appearance of the crossing, they could lobby MDOT to restore the bridge, and
remove those ugly modern railings. They could perhaps integrate other
architectural elements to the bridge as well, such as flag poles, attractive
lighting, etc. The result would not only be a more attractive bridge, but one
with some level of historic value to it as well.
Ada is a typical United States community in that it embraces its over-rated covered bridge (which is not even made of original materials) and then chooses to ignore and demolish all their other bridges of historic value.
