Historic Bridges at Elizabeth Park Are Gone: What's Replacing Them?

Demolition of three historic and beloved bridges at Elizabeth Park was near completion Friday, and many are asking, "What's replacing them?"

New bridges designed to emulate the same elegant style and Victorian architecture Trenton and Grosse Ile residents have grown to love are going to replace the aging bridges, according to Elizabeth Iszler, design manager for Wayne County Parks.

Wayne County officials decided to demolish the bridges after studies showed that age and detrioration were making the bridges unsafe to park goers.

"It was very important for us to replicate them as close as possible to the originals," Iszlar said.

The main design components of the new bridges have already been cast and are waiting installation. Once the main structures of the new bridges is complete, an overlay will be used to complete the desired design.

Iszler said demolition and site preparation is expected to be completed by mid-July.

The new bridges are  expected to be complete by mid-November.

"We understand how important this is to the public," Iszlar said. "We wanted to be respectful to the original design, and, because of the historic nature, it was highly encouraged to maintian the design by the State Historic Preservation Office."

For the latest Trenton and Grosse Ile news and information, "like" Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our daily newsletter.