Hemlock Road Bridge Rehabilitation

Spanning the South Branch of the Bad River on Hemlock Road, the Hemlock Road Bridge underwent critical rehabilitation due to pervasive deterioration issues. Spicer Group's thorough inspections unveiled concerning corrosion and significant deck damage, necessitating weight restrictions on the bridge.

The Saginaw County Road Commission (SCRC) committed to replacing the superstructure, successfully securing $800,000 in funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation's Local Agency Program. Embracing a similar approach to a neighboring project for the Fordney Road Bridge, the Hemlock Road Bridge embraced Press Brake Tub Girders (PBTGs) for their cost-effective and low-maintenance attributes, aligning with the SCRC's strategy to optimize resources amidst post-pandemic construction challenges.

Spicer Group collaborated with the manufacturer, leveraging Bentley’s OpenBridge Designer for precise analysis and design refinement of the PBTGs. With meticulous planning and coordination, construction commenced promptly following the summer 2023 demolition phase. The Hemlock Road Bridge resumed its crucial role in local transportation networks, reopening to traffic on September 1st, a testament to the successful collaboration and dedication of all involved parties in ensuring a safer and more resilient infrastructure for the community.