The Van Buren County Road Commission has been awarded a major grant for a bridge replacement project.

Road Commission Managing Director Bret Witkowski tells us the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Advisory Board has approved the funds for the replacement of the 40th Street bridge over the Paw Paw River in Waverly Township, just north of Paw Paw.

Witkowski says this is a big deal.

“Only one of three bridges chosen by the state to be replaced,” Witkowski said. “First one since for Van Buren County since 2015, and for Van Buren County, it’s the largest grant in history of the county at $3.9 million.”

Witkowski says the bridge in question is the lowest rated bridge in Van Buren County out of more than 70. It’s a timber bridge that will now be replaced with a modern steel one.

“It’s got weight limits on it already. The last one was put in in 2022 and it really needs to be fixed. Traffic count has dropped in half because people are concerned about using it, which we understand.”

Witkowski says engineering for the new bridge should be done next year while permits are sought. Construction would be in 2027.

The $3.9 million project would require a 10% local match. That will be split 50-50 between Waverly Township and the Van Buren County Road Commission.