The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) announced today that the reopening of the Farr Street bridge over the Huron River between Carroll Lake Road and North Commerce Road in Commerce Township has been delayed.
Originally scheduled to open before the start of the school year on Aug. 26, the bridge is now expected to reopen on Sept. 20. The delay is due to the late arrival of the precast bridge components and unforeseen weather-related challenges that have impacted the project’s progress.
RCOC has been in close coordination with the Walled Lake School District to ensure that students and parents have safe and convenient access to nearby Commerce Elementary School during this period. Starting Monday, Aug. 26, school buses will be rerouted to use West Commerce Road to Broadway Street to Farr Street. For parents dropping off students, RCOC recommends using Comstock or Ponderosa streets.
"We understand the inconvenience this delay may cause and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to complete the project safely and effectively," RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar said. "Our priority is to ensure the bridge is fully operational and meets all safety standards before it reopens to traffic."
The nearly $1.7 million project that started on June 24 is mainly funded with Michigan Local Bridge program funds, with RCOC providing matching dollars.
The project includes:
- Removing the previous structure, which consisted of two failing nine-foot-diameter culverts.
- Installing a new bridge that is longer, allowing for future sidewalk installation on the north side of the street.
- Paving with asphalt on Farr Street between Broadway and Elkin streets.
- Placing curbs and gutters in the vicinity of the culvert.
- Constructing a new pathway to access Mill Race Park.
The contractor for the project is C.A. Hull Company of Commerce Township.
For more information on the project, visit the Farr Street Culvert Replacement page in the “Road Projects” section of the RCOC website, www.rcocweb.org (direct link: https://www.rcocweb.org/676/Farr-Street-Culvert-Replacements).
For questions on the project, contact RCOC through any of the following methods:
