In the hopper since 2012, the unique bridge transplant project that kicked off this week on Crystal Springs Street has been years in the making.

Perhaps the wait is only fitting, though, as the bridge that will replace the current structure over the Dowagiac River is nearly a century old.

On Monday, crews with the Michigan Department of Transportation began work to replace the bridge, running from Wood Road to Indian Lake Road on Crystal Springs Street in Pokagon Township, with a historic camelback pony truss structure, originally built in 1923. Construction on the project is expected to last until Sept. 15.

Officials with the Cass County Road Commission, which is assisting MDOT on the project, have called the project a “one of a kind opportunity.” The commission, along with officials with Pokagon Township, have
worked with MDOT for the past five years to bring the historic structure to the county roadway, said Joe Bellina, chief engineer with the commission.

The truss bridge was last located in St. Joseph County, over the Prairie River on M-86 near Centerville. Although still in good condition, the bridge was too narrow for the traffic flow, requiring the state to replace it.

“The state could not demolish the bridge,” Bellina said. “It was the last of its kind on the state highway system, so it has significant historical value. This is something we have to consider on all road projects these days.”

While no longer adequate for a busy state highway, the structure is perfect for Crystal Springs Street, which receives much less traffic, Bellina said. The load limit for the current bridge fall below current state limits, which has required some truck drivers to take extensive detours to get to their destination across the Dowagiac River, the engineer said.

In 2013, the commission worked with MDOT to secure funding for the project, which will cost an estimated $1.9 million to complete.

The two entities received  $1.4 million in federal funding from the Alternative Transportation Program, with MDOT contributing an additional $400,000. While the road commission was required to front $100,000 in matching funds for the federal grant, the state will fund most of the cost through its Local Bridge Program, requiring the county agency to chip in just $7,800 for construction.

“We are effectively getting a better bridge structure for just $7,800,” he said. “You just can’t beat that.”

The historic bridge will also make an interesting landmark for the township, especially for people kayaking on the Dowagiac River who may pass underneath it, Bellina said.

For the first stage of construction, state crews will demolish the existing bridge before shipping in the trusses from the other bridge, which will be repaired in certain spots and repainted. The crews will then install the bridge over the river, riveting it into place before re-pouring concrete on the roadway.

“I’m very interested to see it installed,” he said. “Riveting used to be a mainstay of iron construction, but it just isn’t used very much these days. I’m fascinated to see how everything will come together.”