OAK PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Construction started Monday to improve the Coolidge Highway overpass bridge over I-696 in Oak Park.
According to the city, the nearly $700,000 project will turn the bridge into "a welcoming monument to all those who pass under it."
When finished, the bridge will have a metal design on both sides that features the leaf from the city's seal, as well as decorative lighting and a black mesh fencing where worn-down cyclone fencing once was.
"Given that the cyclone fencing needed to be replaced anyway, this was an excellent opportunity for the City to further rebrand itself using a relatively small amount of funds," said Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate.
"Oak Park is taking every opportunity to promote a sense of place here," said City Manager Tungate, "With so many motorists traversing this interstate highway every day, we pounced on the opportunity to turn this otherwise drab area into a point of distinction for our community."
During the project, drivers should see minor and intermittent lane closures on I-696, with the potential of curb closures on the overpass bridge as well.
