The pedestrian bridge, pictured here, connects Riverside Park with Frog Island Park. The bridge will be repaired for the next two to three weeks.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo
Portions of the Ypsilanti pedestrian "tridge" that connects Riverside Park and Frog Island Park will be closed for two to three weeks intermittently.
The partial closure became effective Wednesday, April 10.
Ypsilanti and the Washtenaw Community College Construction Institute are collaborating to upgrade the walking surface of the three-point bridge and pedestrian traffic will be re-routed during repairs, said Stan Kirton, director of Ypsilanti's Department of Public Services.
"We're just going to close sections at a time," Kirton said. "We're going to do a re-decking project and we'll leave parts open."
The WCC students, led by Christy Lindermann and Loukas Kovanis, will provide the labor for free and the city will provide the materials. Kirton said the materials, wood and fasteners, cost about $9,000.
Kirton said if the city were to hire a contractor to do the work, the project costs could have ballooned to nearly $70,000.
"It's a good deal for us and we don't have to pay a contractor," Kirton said.
Kirton said the city received complaints about the bridge from residents.
"It's been there for quite some time," Kirton said. "It's getting a little worn."
Kirton said the repairs should last for about 20 years.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.