MDOT Plans M-136 Bridge Construction

The bridge over the Black River in Beard Hills is going to get a facelift and it will cause some disruption to a popular route for commuters from the rural parts of northern St. Clair County and for those who enjoy a scenic drive.

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that improvements to M-136 in Clyde Township will start on May 3rd and will continue into August of 2021.

The entire project is a $1.3 million investment by MDOT. The work includes resurfacing, joint replacements, railing replacements, concrete patching, and repairs to the bridge approach. The work is expected to complete structural improvements to the bridge, improve the driving surface, and extend the life of the roadway.

MDOT reports that traffic will be maintained throughout the work period, except for two weekends, where the road will be completely closed. A temporary signal will be in place, but the bridge will need to be closed in each direction in late May and late June, just during a weekend. The closures will be announced in advance.

A link to a map of the project can be found at:

https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map?constZone=true&lat=43.05166125334461&lon=-82.59658074378936&zoom=14

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland