Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge Projects

  • Project typeRoad/Bridge
  • Completion DateJune 30, 2025

Background

Originally constructed as a railroad bridge in 1873, the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge (GIPB) officially opened to vehicle traffic in 1932. It proudly connects Grosse Ile Township to mainland Trenton, crossing the Trenton Channel in the Detroit River.

What Recent Work Has Been Done?

In 2020, superstructure upgrades and repairs were delayed when a regularly-scheduled underwater inspection identified serious problems with certain piers that required immediate repairs. The repair work was designed and constructed in 2021. Upon completion, the superstructure work continued and was successful.

What are the Current Plans for GIPB?

Previous work brought GIPB to safe conditions and included work on the oldest of the piers, structure and deck. The three streams of current work include:

  1. Underwater design for protection island, piers, and backup generator.
  2. Design of steel structure, electrical and mechanical improvements.
  3. Regular County maintenance and repairs.

When Will Future Work be Completed?

In 2023, local leaders appropriated $20M in the State of Michigan budget for bridge repairs and upgrades. To construct all of the needed work will far exceed this amount, however, it will allow Wayne County to move designs for protection island, piers, and backup generator directly into construction when it is finalized later this year. Wayne County will use all available funding avenues to complete the designed repairs.

Is the $20M state allocation for bridge repairs anticipated to be enough to fully fund the planned repairs?

All of the expected work will exceed the $20M allocated by State of Michigan appropriations. However, because this funding has been secured Wayne County is able to go directly into construction once design plans are finalized later this year. Wayne County will use all available funding avenues to complete the designed repairs.

 

Does Wayne County have a timeline or estimation for the construction?

Design is underway. Construction for the piers and the protection island, including some electrical and mechanical work, is anticipated to start directly following the completion of design.

 

Will there be restrictions (weight or otherwise) once future repairs are complete?

The bridge can carry Class A Truck traffic, which is the highest load allowable in Michigan. Current restrictions are expected to be lifted when repairs are made.

 

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