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New inspection ordered for Ferrysburg bridge

Smith's Bridge has been closed for two months.

FERRYSBURG, Mich. — Ferrysburg leaders shut down the Smith Bridge two months ago when an inspection report said it was unsafe for vehicles. 

And it has affected residents, like Jacob Stearley who lives on the north side of Ferrysburg.

"I no longer go into Ferrysburg downtown to fill my gas tank, I don't go to Spring Lake as much as I used to instead I go on the highway and go to Grand Haven," Stearley said.

The closure is not only affecting locals, but businesses too. 

"It has reduced some of the business. The party store up the street and gas station down the street have indicated their sales are down about 20% since the bridge has been closed," said Craig Bessinger, the city manager.

Bessinger says that potholes keep developing in a section of the bridge and crews keep coming out to repair it. 

"I personally feel like there has been a failure of our local government and as a citizen I'm stepping up," Stearley said.

Replacing the bridge would cost more than $10 million, something that won't happen anytime soon. A group of residents want a second opinion and they'll receive it after raising $1,200 for a new inspection.

"My hope is that we can find a way to repair this bridge to make it usable for five to 10 years so this community can properly plan to replace this bridge," Stearley said.

Results of the second inspection will be available at the end of this month. In addition a public forum on the bridge will be held next month. That is scheduled to take place on Sept. 10. 

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