As part of MDOT’s Critical Bridge Program, downtown Belding’s Bridge Street Bridge over the Flat River was designated for replacement.

For the replacement, Williams & Works developed a type, size, and location study with several alternative structure types for the City of Belding to review. Through public information meetings, a 2-span structure with various architectural details was selected.

Engineering staff performed a hydraulic and scour analysis and submitted the results to the MDEQ for the necessary permits. Williams & Works was also responsible for submitting all programming information to MDOT.

The bridge design included spread prestressed concrete box beams with a concrete deck, cantilevered river lookout, and decorative cast-in-place concrete railings. The substructure design called for concrete abutments and a pier supported by steel piles. To improve drainage in the area, the storm sewer system was redesigned as part of the approach roadway reconstruction.

The Bridge Street Bridge is a functional and aesthetic fixture in downtown Belding for current and future generations.