The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will partner with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) to host a public open house Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., to seek public feedback to help recognize and address any concerns that may result from the minor, or de minimus use of the Clinton River, which is a state-designated water trail. Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act requires transportation agencies to seek public input any time state-designated water trails are closed to public access.
The meeting will take place at Independence Township Hall, 6483 Waldon Center Drive in the township. The meeting will be open house format: There will not be a formal presentation, but anyone interested can stop in at any time to speak with MDOT and RCOC representatives.
The project proposes to close river access to boaters for a total of 14 days. Comments must be submitted by April 1, 2026. Comments can be provided at the public meeting or by phone or email to Charlie Stein at (616) 318-0124 or Charles.Stein@aecom.com.
Built in 1928, the bridge has exceeded its life expectancy and needs to be replaced. The new bridge will be slightly longer and taller to accommodate recreational boat passage and will include one 8-foot sidewalk for pedestrians.
This bridge is one of seven bridges included as part of an overall bridge-bundling project. This contracting method allows flexibility for the contractor to choose their schedule and requires them to complete construction within the given closure once they begin work.
The project is expected to take place in late summer/early fall of 2027 or in 2028. It is expected that the Sashabaw Road bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, and the traffic detoured during the entire construction period of approximately 150 days.
Once the project starts, it is estimated that the Clinton River will be closed to boating traffic underneath the bridge for seven consecutive days to demolish the existing bridge. An additional river closure of another seven consecutive days is expected later in the project to set the new bridge structure. The contractor will be required to provide a 30-day notice prior to the closure of the waterway.
Meeting accessibility
Accommodations can be made for anyone requiring mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for participation. Large-print materials, auxiliary aids or the service of interpreters, signers or readers are available upon request. For assistance, call the Road Commission at 248-645-2000 and ask for the Engineering Department. Requests should be made at least five days prior to the meeting date. Reasonable efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodations or an effective alternative, but accommodations may not be guaranteed.