The Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge — popularly know as “free” bridge — will re-open to traffic following a re-opening ceremony on the Trenton side of the bridge scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3.
The Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge over the Trenton Channel will once again be open to traffic following a re-opening ceremony on the Trenton side of the bridge scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3.
The bridge is opening weeks ahead of schedule and comes just in time for the holidays to Grosse Ile residents and all others who frequently used the bridge.
The bridge has been closed since May 2020 for bridge decking repairs. Repairs to the bridge decking ceased in November 2020 after a routine underwater inspection noted significant deterioration to the underwater piers, requiring additional repairs.
Completed repairs to both the bridge decking and underwater piers are expected to add between 20 to 30 years of life to the structure, which was built in the 1930s.
“The re-opening of the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge is good news for Wayne County, but it is even better news for the residents of Grosse Ile, who have had to endure this inconvenience for quite a while,” Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said. “We wanted to make sure the repairs were done right and safety was a paramount concern of mine, so I’m pleased that not only were we able to complete the task not just on schedule but ahead of schedule.”
“I’m thankful for the hard work of construction crews, local elected officials, and Wayne County for working together to fix the bridge,” state Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) said. “This cooperation was vital to protect our residents coming to and from Grosse Ile.
“The completion of these repairs highlights the importance of Michigan’s investment into our local infrastructure, and that we have the community to get it done and keep our residents safe. Today is a day for celebration as commuting to Grosse Ile can return to normal.”