GROSSE ILE, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Wayne County Department of Public Services is warning residents of Grosse Ile's Swan Island to be careful going over the Swan Drive Bridge as they put a three-ton weight limit in place on the bridge.
“If this is what your plan is, how are we gonna deal with it?” resident Gary Sonnenberg told 7 News Detroit.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below:
Jeff McDonald, owner of BJs Landscaping Services, said he learned about the new restrictions before leaving the island.
"My clients are already freaking out. They said we don't know what we're going to do," he told 7 News Detroit.
Township officials held a meeting for all Swan Island residents at Township Hall, Friday night.
The change, which drops the weight limit from 33 tons, goes into place immediately and will remain in place until further notice. The reduction is being put into place as a result of a routine inspection of the bridge on June 23.
The existing speed limit of 5 miles an hour will remain in place. Access will remain in effect for all residents and businesses for vehicles that meet the new reduced weight limit.
Township officials said emergency vehicles are not banned.
They let residents know they can bring their trash to the township hall for pickup and that assistance can be provided for those who can't haul it.
For deliveries, like Amazon, FedEx and UPS, township supervisor Joseph Porcarelli said, "We’ll take ‘em here at the township (hall). If you can get ‘em to a relative or a friend, (that's another alternative).”
For landscapers, Township Manager Derek Thiel explained, "What those vendors are going to have to do is park off the bridge and then drive their mowers or whatnot across the bridge and to your property."
Construction is also impacted.
During the meeting, resident John Camilleri said, "I have a roof being replaced on Monday. They’re bringing a truckload of shingles. The whole house is going to be done. What’s the proposal there?"
The township manager replied, "Is that something that can be delayed? So, we should find out next week what the short-term solution is going to be.”
County officials say they are committed to restoring the bridge to typical weights and traffic. They are exploring the options available and are in discussion with Grosse Ile Township. The township will reach out to residents to discuss the continuation of services and public safety.
Marine traffic is not impacted.
The Swan Drive Bridge was one of the Grosse Ile Bridges reported on by 7 Investigator Heather Catallo in 2019.
At the time, it was rated in poor condition and was scheduled to be reconstructed in 2021.
