MDOT Opens Fort Street Bridge a Year Behind Schedule

Harsh winters, other factors delayed completion of new drawbridge in southwest Detroit.

For the first time in almost three years, drivers in southwest Detroit can use Fort Street to cross the Rouge River. The Michigan Department of Transportation shut down the road in 2013 to remove a century-old drawbridge. A new type of drawbridge opened to traffic on New Year’s Eve. MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross tells WDET’s Pat Batcheller the project took about a year longer than expected. One lane of traffic is open in each direction while workers complete the job. Cross says the goal is to have all lanes open by the end of January. Click on the audio player to hear the conversation. 

Pat Batcheller

 

Author

  • Pat Batcheller
    Pat Batcheller is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news, traffic and weather updates during Morning Edition. He is an amateur musician.