 are inviting the public to an open house to talk about the West Second Street Bridge over Swartz Creek){kind=link}
Flint, Michigan – The City of Flint and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) are inviting the public to an open house to talk about the West Second Street Bridge over Swartz Creek, which will need to be replaced in the future. The meeting will take place in the Harris Room at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, which is at 1026 East Kearsley Street, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
This event will give residents, business owners, and other people in the community a chance to learn more about the bridge replacement project and express their opinions or concerns. The bridge, which was completed in 1920, is getting old and is structurally weak, thus it needs to be replaced. But it’s not just any bridge.
The West Second Street Bridge is an important part of Flint’s history in terms of architecture and transportation. Indianapolis engineer Daniel Luten used the unique Luten arch method to design the bridge. It has a horseshoe-shaped arch, a corbeled arch ring, a cantilevered deck, and ornamental concrete pilasters that set it apart. Because of these design elements, the structure is now on the National Register of Historic Places as a rare, well-preserved example of a concrete Luten arch bridge.
The replacement project has to go through the evaluation processes required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act since it is a historic site. These rules make sure that the effect on historic resources is adequately thought about before any alterations are undertaken.
City and MDOT officials are emphasizing the importance of public participation in this process. Feedback gathered at the meeting—or submitted by phone or email by August 6—will help guide decisions and ensure that potential concerns are addressed early in the planning process. Those unable to attend can send comments directly to Charlie Stein at (616) 574-8531 or [email protected].
Organizers have also made accessibility a priority. Anyone needing special assistance, whether visual, hearing, mobility-related, or otherwise, is encouraged to contact Tyler Bailey at 810-766-7426 or [email protected]. Requests should be submitted at least five days before the meeting to allow time for proper arrangements.
The project aims not only to address structural needs but also to honor the legacy of a historic landmark, making the public’s voice a vital part of the process.