Bond Proposal Would Provide Funding for New Main Street Bridge

Over the past year, traffic has been re-routed to the south side of the bridge.

Since 2009, load ratings have been reduced by 62%, reducing the type of traffic that can use the bridge.

One of the most unique and picturesque aspects of Manchester is its beautiful setting on the River Raisin. But for the past year, the appealing river view has been marred by orange barricades and flashing lights.

For more than 85 years, the Main Street bridge has been the scene of many a Memorial Day service and has hosted children’s bike races, parade floats, and marching bands. It has served our community well since its last renovation in 1972, but is in disrepair.

The Village of Manchester is requesting a bond for $635,000 to rebuild the aging structure. According to Village Manager Jeff Wallace, this is only 18% of the total cost to rebuild, since state and federal grants awarded to the village last fall (after two years of unsuccessful applications) will cover the rest. This year, the village's application was successful and the funds, totaling $2.97 million, were awarded to Manchester. If these funds are not used, they will be awarded to another community.

During the recent economic recovery, the Village of Manchester administration has budgeted prudently. For that reason, grant opportunities have been maximized because the village has matching funds available. This has enabled the village to get street and sidewalk work done at a low cost, with most of it covered by grant monies. A project like the Main Street Bridge, however, is a 50-year, capital asset, traditionally funded by the sale of bonds rather than the tax revenue provided by operating millages.

On August 5, Village residents will be asked to vote on a bond issue that will help to replace this aging structure with a completely new bridge that will serve the community long into the future. With the change in election laws, Village elections will be held in the Manchester Township Hall, 275 S. Macomb Street. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 5.

The bond will provide matching funds to completely replace the superstructure and also be independent of the current dam as part of the foundation, which provides an extra measure of safety. The village does not own the dam, and currently, if it washed out, the bridge could be severely compromised.

The most recent biannual inspection (conducted by village engineers on May 29), noted continuing deterioration in the Main Street bridge.

Continued shifting in the concrete structure of the bridge is one reason that inspections are currently conducted on a six-month schedule.

For a year now, the northern lane has been closed, losing 10 parking spaces, due to the engineer’s safety recommendations on beam failure. Fire department and other safety personnel (sheriff deputies and ambulances) need emergency access to both sides of the Main Street bridge. Continuing to use the Duncan Street bridge will wear down that structure and could leave the village and its residents extremely vulnerable in the case of any further damage as the Main Street bridge weight limits continue to decrease.

"In addition, the village is required to have the bridge condition evaluated every six months instead of every two years," Wallace noted, adding, "The bridge is imperative to commerce in the village and surrounding townships. Factory and commercial vehicles have no other viable options for making deliveries to businesses located to the west of the bridge."

With the average SEV in the village at about $50,000 ($100,000 value home), additional tax would be about $55 per year for 10 years. Village officials hope that residents will see the value in this opportunity and recognize the bridge's importance to the community.

A public forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, in the Village Room on the lower level of Village Hall (912 City Road). This open house will provide village engineers, administration, and council an opportunity to speak to residents and answer questions about the bond issue.

The proposed style of the new bridge would be similar to the original design of the 1929 bridge. The current metal railings were part of the 1972 restoration project.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.