GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP (WXYZ) — It will be months before 16,000 daily commuters will be able to cross Grosse Ile Parkway again.
The bridge leading onto Grosse Ile shut down Wednesday for much needed repairs through November.
In May 2019, the 7 Action News Investigators discovered the bridge had a safety rating of three and is in serious condition. In November, the bridge underwent emergency repairs because the floor beams were deteriorating. The closure led to backups on the main road that the county is trying to ease this time.
"We have done some work with our traffic signals in an attempt to kind of help offset some of the backups that may occur being that there's typically more than one bridge on and off the island," said Tiffani Jackson, spokesperson for Wayne County Public Services.
She says the bridge will be done in two phases. Construction will start with everything above ground and then the support structure. While the work is being done, drivers will need to take the toll bridge which isn't under county control.
"We did receive some questions about a subsidy being provided to residents," Jackson said.
"We can't provide subsidies to anyone for that. Our funds are allocated to rehabilitation of our Grosse Ile Parkway bridge," she said.
Access to the marina just before the bridge is still open.
If you're looking to get on or off the island, the county has just one request.
"Pack your patience because we're working to make improvements to our infrastructure, and ultimately, safety's always our main priority at Wayne County," Jackson said.
She says you can sign up for construction updates by going to WayneCounty.com .
