DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Dix Avenue Bridge over the Rouge River on the Detroit-Dearborn border is closed until further notice.
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Wayne County Department of Public Services says extreme temperatures have left the drawbridge jammed in the upright position, making it impassable for vehicles. The county has notified the Coast Guard and local public safety agencies.
A spokesperson for the Wayne County Department of Public Services issued a statement on the closure.
"This closure is due to heat affecting the operation of the bridge. Due to current extreme temperatures, the bridge is locked down in a semi-closed position and is inoperable. The Coast Guard and local public safety agencies have been notified," the spokesperson said.
The county is also running hoses over the side of the bridge facing the sun in an effort to keep the equipment cool until the heat wave breaks.
"Drivers and boaters should use detours and exercise caution until further notice," the spokesperson said.
For workers who rely on the crossing daily, the closure is more than an inconvenience. Sam Ahmed, a truck driver with Schaefer Express, said the detour cuts into his delivery schedule.
"Sometimes, you run late for your load because it's up," Ahmed said. "They need to fix it. When we go home, and it's lifted up, you have to go all the way around.'
A.J. Ali works at Rouge Auto Parts and Sales, his uncle's business on the south side of the river. Ali lives on the north side and said the bridge has been stuck for several days.
"It goes up here and there, but this time, it's been stuck. It's been stuck a couple days now," Ali said.
The closure is also making it harder for Rouge Auto to bring in customers, who must now navigate around the bridge as well. Ali said the county needs to address the maintenance of the aging structure.
"I guess they need to maintain that thing because this is inconvenient, man. Very inconvenient," Ali said.
Ali said the sooner the bridge reopens, the better.
The closure applies to both road traffic and marine traffic that require the opening of the bridge.
Drivers and boaters will have to use detours and exercise caution in the area until further notice.
The bridge, which opened in 1926, spans the Rouge River near the Ford Rouge Plant. The alternate route for drivers is the nearby Fort Street Bridge, which is also a drawbridge.
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