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Bridge project may have schedule change

ALPENA — There could be a change in the schedule for the maintenance project on Second Avenue Bridge and the way it is being conducted.

The original plan called for the bridge to be open for traffic throughout the winter and then closed for six weeks in the spring when the grates on the deck are scheduled to be removed, sandblasted and painted.

Now the primary contractor has made a recommendation to the city that the bridge be closed for two weeks in January to begin sandblasting and priming. Having a portion of the work done this winter, could mean the time it will be closed in the spring could be shorter, if the city accepts the proposal.

City Engineer Rich Sullenger explained the recommendation to Alpena Downtown Development Authority Tuesday and said staff is considering the potential impacts of closing the bridge in the winter and a decision would be made soon.

Sullenger said he also will talk to business owners near the bridge to get their take on the proposed schedule change.

“This is not set in stone yet, but we are considering it,” Sullenger said. “There are a few business owners we plan to reach out to and get their opinions on it. Let’s face it, closing the bridge is something we don’t want to do, but it is something that has to be done to preserve it. We will try to make it as painless to people and businesses as possible.”

Sullenger said crews have been busy on the $2.8 million project and have encountered more hand chipping of loose concrete than anticipated, but it is unlikely to delay the project. The bridge is expected to be done in June.

“It seems to all be going well and they are going to continue to work through the winter, with the exception of two weeks during the holidays,” Sullenger said. “Some of the work will be weather permitting, but as of right now things are going well.”

If the city chooses to close the bridge next month, Sullenger said once it reopens there will only be one lane in each direction open.

It still would be open to traffic until spring when it will need to be closed again,” Sullenger said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews. Read his blog, Upon Further Review … at www.thealpenanews.com.

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