Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw County Closing for Maintenance — According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Zilwaukee Bridge on Southbound I-75 will close for maintenance from April 14 through June 27, 2025. The project will impact travel to/from northern Michigan for those traveling on this route.
Travelers Should Anticipate Delays for Summer Travel
Southbound I-75 will be closed and detoured to southbound I-675 from the I-675 junction north of Kochville Road to the southbound I-75/I-675 interchange south of Wadsworth Road.
The southbound I-75 ramp to Adams Street will be closed, as well as the Adams Street ramp to southbound I-75. Traffic will be detoured via southbound I-675 and Tittabawassee Road (Exit 6) to Adams Street, and vice versa.
Stage 2 work on the northbound lanes is planned to begin July 14. The project overall will conclude in November 2025.
The northbound I-675 ramp to southbound I-75 will also be closed. Traffic will be detoured via northbound I-75, M-84 (Exit 160), southbound I-75 and southbound I-675 to southbound I-75.
Stage 1 work on southbound I-75 is anticipated to be completed by June 27. Stage 2 work (northbound lanes) is planned to begin July 14. Detour information for stage 2 will be announced in advance of that work starting.
$2.9 Million Preventative Maintenance Project
MDOT has announced that the investment will cost $2.9 million for the preventative maintenance project work on the bridge as well as other improvements such as expansion joint repair, deck patching and resealing. The funding is an 80/20 match, with 80% of federal funding and 20% state dollars to cover the costs.
MLive reports that the last time this preventative maintenance project, called a “healer sealer treatment” was performed 14 years ago in 2012-2013. This work will not only make it safer for travelers, but it will also extend the life of the Zilwaukee Bridge and prevent more costly repairs in the future.
History of the Zilwaukee Bridge
The Zilwaukee Bridge, which spans the Saginaw River and serves as a integral part of I-75 over the Bay City area, was first constructed in 1979, replacing an older drawbridge that caused significant traffic delays and congestion. The bridge was designed to accommodate increasing traffic demands due to the area’s rapid growth. The design featured innovative high-strength concrete segments and steel cables, creating a unique and durable structure. The bridge’s purpose was to enhance the flow of traffic and alleviate congestion, especially for both river and freeway traffic, making it a vital part of Michigan’s transportation network.
The bridge’s construction, however, had its challenges. An accident in 1982 caused major delays to the project and engineers faced multiple obstacles, including environmental concerns and complex design elements. The project was finally completed in 1987.
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