State Street Historic Bridge / Cass River Trailhead, Bridgeport
Built in 1906, the State Street Historic Bridge spans the Cass River in Bridgeport. It is listed on the State Historic Register. The structure is one of only six surviving late 19th century and early 20th century multi-span through-truss highway bridges left in the state. It is also one of two key surviving examples of Michigan bridges produced by the Joliet Bridge and Iron Company of Illinois. Because the bridge is still in its original location, it is a unique and valued historical bridge in Michigan.
With the complete closure of the bridge in 2002 and unsuccessful past attempts to restore the historic structure, it was an eyesore in the center of downtown Bridgeport. The Township turned to Spicer Group for assistance. In 2006, the Township leaders, the Downtown Development Authority, Spicer and an MDOT historic bridge preservationist, began work to rehabilitate the bridge.
Spicer Group assisted the Township in obtaining an MDOT-TE grant of $1,698,770. Following receipt of the grant, Spicer Group worked with MDOT and the Township on design, permitting and construction administration and inspection. The bridge was removed from the foundation and rehabilitated offsite. In the summer of 2010, after new foundations were constructed, the restored bridge was put back into place. Spicer developed the paths and landscaping that lead to the bridge’s entry points and through the park beyond.
In late 2013, the DDA acquired the property adjacent to the historic bridge and Spicer assisted Bridgeport in developing a plan for the property as a trailhead. As a former gas station that had been vacant for 40 years, the Township met with residents for public input. The public overwhelmingly wanted to see the building kept and restored in the park as a restroom. Keeping with the ambiance of the Township’s Historic Village, the building was restored to look like the former gas station on the façade, while acting as a restroom for the trailhead site. The project also included a pavilion with tables and grills, a fishing pier, interpretive signage, a bench, decorative fencing and landscaping. These improvements were funded with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for $275,800.
The development of these projects now provides the Township with not only an addition to their historical village but also a great focal point in downtown Bridgeport.
