The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) yesterday afternoon (Oct. 19) opened the new Tienken Road bridge over the Stony Creek between Sheldon and Washington roads in Rochester Hills.
Tienken Road had been closed at the bridge since June so the bridge could be replaced.
The bridge that was replaced was built in 1940 and its structure was significantly deteriorated. The new bridge is a pre-cast, three-sided concrete bridge with an asphalt road surface.
Additionally, RCOC was able to salvage historic hand railings from a bridge that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) demolished elsewhere in the state, and use those on the Tienken bridge. The historic railings helped to ensure the new bridge fit in with the historic nature of the surrounding area.
The new bridge includes two 12-foot traffic lanes, paved shoulders and a 7.5-foot-wide asphalt sidewalk along the south side of the bridge. The sidewalk is separated from the traffic lane by a railing.
The completion of the bridge was delayed from its original planned completion in September due to a problem with the stability of soil at the east bridge embankment.
“We realize the closure of Tienken Road during the bridge replacement project was an inconvenience for area residents, and we greatly appreciate their patience,” stated Road Commission Vice Chairman Eric Wilson.
“Although the delay was unfortunate and unintended, the final result is a beautiful new bridge that will serve as an attractive gateway to Rochester Hills’ historic district,” added RCOC Commissioner Greg Jamian. Jamian also thanked local officials and residents for their assistance and patience during the project.
“We greatly appreciate the assistance and support provided by the City of Rochester Hills, the Rochester Hills Historical Museum, the Rochester Hills Historic District Commission, the residents in the area and the Rochester Public Schools,” Jamian said. “Working together, we ended up with a bridge that we can all be proud of and that is an asset to the community.”
The Tienken bridge replacement was bid as a package with the replacement of the Parkdale Road bridge over the Stony Creek west of Dequindre Road in Rochester. The Parkdale bridge will be replaced next year.
The cost of the two bridges combined is expected to be approximately $2.2 million. Of that amount, $2 million is being paid for with Local Bridge Program funds (a combination of state and federal dollars). The remainder is being paid for by RCOC and the cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills.
Dan’s Excavating of Shelby Twp. is the contractor for both bridges.
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