After 3 Year Closure, Jefferson Avenue Bridge To Re-Open

DETROIT (WWJ) After a three-year closure that vexed commuters and local residents, the West Jefferson Avenue Bridge at the border between Detroit and River Rouge could be opening as early as next Friday.

WWJ's Mike Campbell encountered residents who say it can't happen fast enough.

It's been out of commission so long that resident Fernando Williams can't even remember when the construction ruckus started.

"It's been closed for three years, and, well, three years," he said adding that for him and many others the end of construction means he can finally take a direct bus route from where he is to where he needs to be: "I can take the Livernois bus ... I can't do that now," he said.

For the record, in May 2013, a bridge operator lowered the bridge onto a barge that was passing through at the time, causing extensive damage.

And it's been a headache ever since.

"We see it's getting close and we're planning a celebration," said Daniel Cooney, a city commissioner who had created a "fix the damn bridge campaign."

The bridge completion is essential for the city's economic forecast, he added.  Many businesses had to close their doors due to constructions, residents said.