The pedestrian bridge that crosses the Shiawassee River from the Fenton gazebo to the Fenton Fire Hall parking lot and the Pumphouse custard stand is closed indefinitely after an inspection by city engineers.
At Monday's City Council meeting, City Manager Lynn Markland said that in addition to unstable railings, the bridge is suffering from rotting wood underneath the concrete deck in addition to failing concrete and aging steel substructure.
"Our engineers at OHM Advisors recommended that it be closed until it can be replaced," he said, adding that because of existing plans to replace the bridge, repairs would not be cost effective. He said planning is in the early design phases and said a new bridge could open by the end of 2023.
The Freedom Festival's Rubber Duck Race, scheduled for noon on July 4, will still be held. In adition to access directly to the gazebo area, spectators can still access the area via the walkway from the Fenton Fire Hall area.
- Chris Clonts, communications coodinator