HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The 100th Street bridge over US-131 in southern Kent County has been hit by too-tall trucks 11 times this year — so far.
Now the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is working with the Michigan State Police (MSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division for increased law enforcement presence.
“The bridge was just repaired and we’re doing everything we can to protect it,” said MDOT bridge engineer Richard Stack. “Bolstering police presence will help until we can replace the bridge and upgrade the interchange.”
MDOT is working on plans and funding for a project to replace and upgrade the bridge, tentatively scheduled for 2020. A public meeting will be held later this month to discuss different proposals for the future interchange.
“We have increased patrols in that area to deter bridge strikes and to take enforcement when necessary,” said Lt. Brad Cushman from MSP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. “The commercial trucking industry and drivers just need to take a few extra minutes to ensure that their load and vehicle meet all the legal requirements prior to going down the road, and this includes making sure it’s not over height.”
As part of the additional General Fund money that was approved by the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder in March, there will be a resurfacing project on US-131 that will involve removing a few inches of the pavement to increase the clearance under the bridge.
The minimal legal height of any bridge in Michigan is 13 feet, 6 inches, and any truck carrying loads higher than that requires a permit per state law.
