By Staff
Due to the break of an eight-inch water main at the east end of the Broadway Bridge Saturday night, the bridge will be closed indefinitely for approach repairs.
Significant undermining of the asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, and sidewalk has occurred, which will result in removal and replacement, said Neil Coulston, director of public works for the City of Niles.
It does not appear that the bridge has suffered any damages. Some minor erosion in the Riverfront Park has also occurred, Coulston said.
City of Niles Water Division crews were on site Sunday morning making repairs to the water main, and Coulston is working on securing a contractor to complete the other repairs.
Since there is only one other bridge crossing the St. Joseph River in the downtown area (Main St./US-12BR), it is expected that the traffic will be very heavy on that bridge. The Broadway Bridge normally carries approximately 7,000 vehicles daily. Motorists will obviously be forced to use alternate routes until repairs are completed, hopefully within 7 to 10 days.