KALAMAZOO, MI — The Inkster Avenue Bridge is closed in Kalamazoo, the city said in a news release.

The bridge was closed after that was determined to be the best and safest approach following a structural inspection that occurred late last week, Public Services Director James Baker said on the morning of Monday, March 9.

“Subsequent discussions among the engineering team late Friday night determined that the closure was the best, safest approach. We have several damaged beams and the south girder is pushed approximately 30 degrees out of alignment,” Baker said.

The major safety concern is keeping errant vehicles on the bridge, he said.

Crews will be working to place traffic crash barriers on the south end and then determining a one-way direction to restore traffic.

Ice and water damage is believed to be the main cause of the damage, Baker said.

The Inkster Avenue Bridge is closed in Kalamazoo, the city said in a news release.

The foundational elements of the bridge are in good shape, he said.

The short-term fix will be to get the bridge back open for either eastbound or westbound traffic, Baker said. The long-term fix to restore traffic in both directions will take longer and could depend on other factors such as obtaining federal funding or moving other projects, he said.

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