The Sixth Street Bridge in Grand Rapids is the longest and
oldest metal span bridge in Michigan. The Massillon Bridge Company of Ohio built
the four span bridge in 1886 for the cost of $31,000. When completed the bridge
was 545 feet long and 18 feet wide. There was also a 7-foot wide walkway for
workers who used the bridge everyday to get to their jobs across the river. The
bridge was able to handle horse-drawn wagons and buggies for many years.
However, when bigger trucks and cars began using the bridge they caused damage
to it. It was inspected and repaired frequently. In 1975, a report showed that
the cement below the water was eroding and the metal on the bridge was rusted
and in need of repair and painting. The city thought about removing the bridge
and building a modern four-lane bridge. The Kent County Council for Historic
Preservation had the bridge placed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1976 and it was saved.
The bridge is expected to be closed in April 2002 for four
months when it will receive a new coat of paint and lights. About 4,500 cars use
this bridge a day and during the painting the traffic will be rerouted over the
Leonard Street Bridge. Tarps will hang over the river to prevent polluting while
the bridge is sandblasted and painted. It has been 21 years since it was last
painted. It will be painted a dark greenish-black color to resemble its original
color. The Scott Civil Engineering Company and Icarus Industrial Painting and
Contracting will do the repairs, painting, and lighting.