Crews started rebuilding the Arnold Road bridge over Meldrum Creek in Ira Township on Monday. The $1.05 million project will replace the old bridge with an aluminum culvert and upgrade drainage, guardrails, and pavement. Local traffic and emergency access will stay open, but drivers won’t be able to cross the creek until work wraps up. The St. Clair County Road Commission and other agencies are funding the project, with M.L. Chartier Excavating handling construction. The bridge is expected to reopen by May 19th, weather permitting.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A winter parking dispute is stirring frustration in Ira Township. A homeowner near Meldrum Road and Dixie Highway says ice fishermen using a nearby lot have brought traffic, litter, and safety worries to his doorstep. He wants the township or property owner to block access before someone gets hurt. But other neighbors say the crowds don’t bother them. The lot’s owners say they’re fine with ice fishermen parking there as long as visitors stay respectful—and so far, police say there’s been no trouble.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet