The Zilwaukee Bridge is a high-level, segmental concrete bridge spanning the Saginaw River in the U.S. state of Michigan. The river serves as the boundary between Zilwaukee Township and the city of Zilwaukee at this point, which is approximately north of downtown Saginaw. It carries Interstate 75 and US 23.

The current eight-lane structure, completed in 1988, is the second such bridge at this location, replacing a four-lane bascule bridge constructed in 1960. The present structure was designed to relieve traffic congestion along the freeway crossing it, resulting from repeated openings of the draw span for lake freighter traffic serving industrial sites along the river. The Zilwaukee Bridge is approximately in length and rises at its highest point. The need for a replacement of the original structure became acute soon after it was completed,

Interstate 675

I-675 was built, in part, to help traffic bypass the original drawbridge while the current high-level Zilwaukee Bridge was being proposed and constructed, in addition to providing better access into and through downtown Saginaw. During bridge maintenance, I-675 is used as a detour route for traffic.

Maintenance

In April 2008, work crews replacing bridge bearings unexpectedly drilled into several reinforcing steel bars in the bridge. The $3.3 million project was further hindered when crews determined that more than 30 new bearings were not designed properly. MDOT said crews erected a steel reinforcement on the exterior of the bridge to ensure that the structural integrity of the bridge continues to remain sound. On October 21, 2008, the bridge opened up to north and southbound traffic once again.

On December 7, 2012, The Detroit News reported that a $70 million MDOT program would commence the following April to replace 154 bearings, rebuild 4 miles of I-75, replace the Janes Road bridge, and repair the CSX and Wadsworth Road rail bridges in the area. The work was completed in 2015 and was expected to extend the life of the bridge until 2087. During 2014, special custom-made jacks were put into place as a stop-gap measure while bearings were replaced.

References

  • Zilwaukee Bridge at Michigan Highways