Build in 1939, a bridge over a portion of the Rapid River on a County Road near Osier will soon be replaced, making for several months of detours. (Google Maps photo via Escanaba Daily Press)

MAPLE RIDGE TOWNSHIP — A five-month bridge reconstruction on the Osier-Rock cut-across — County Road 432, otherwise known as East Maple Ridge 37th Road — will make the portion over the Elm Creek branch of the Rapid River inaccessible to traffic. The suggested detour is 30 miles long.

County Road 432 is an approximately 12-mile, zigzagging route between M-35 in Rock and U.S. 41 in Osier. It crosses several creeks and rivers. The narrow bridge that passes over Elm Creek, which feeds the Rapid River, is almost 90 years old and in need of replacement.

“The bridge is currently load-restricted and does not meet current design standards,” reported the Delta County Road Commission when announcing the project.

The existing bridge was constructed in 1939.

Beginning May 18, crews will begin removing and replacing the bridge. During construction, the bridge will be closed to all traffic. The project is scheduled for final completion on Oct. 16, according to the Delta County Road Commission.

While the county road is out of commission, drivers may take a proposed detour through Perkins, traveling along M-35, County Road 428 (also known as Perkins 30.5 Road) and U.S. 41.

The road commission released a map showing the location of the bridge project and the agency’s suggested detour, which is approximately 30 miles in length.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this project may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete this necessary improvement,” the road commission wrote.

The cost of the project, handled by Hebert Construction, is expected to be 1.32 million dollars.

Questions about the project may be directed to the Delta County Road Commission at 906-786-3200.