Pontiac's MLK Boulevard Bridge Project Moves Forward, Completion Expected by Year-End

After years of delays, construction crews are now working to rebuild the long-closed bridge in the Michigan city.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A high-end studio photograph featuring a collection of construction materials and tools arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the progress of the Pontiac bridge reconstruction project.A symbolic still life captures the materials and tools of the long-awaited Pontiac bridge reconstruction project, signaling progress for the city's infrastructure.Pontiac Today

A long-delayed bridge project on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Pontiac, Michigan is finally moving forward, with city officials expecting the new bridge to be completed by the end of the year. The old bridge was demolished earlier this year after structural issues were discovered, forcing drivers to take longer detours. Nearby residents have expressed frustration over the repeated timeline changes, but are now relieved to see progress being made on the $14 million project funded by state and federal sources.

Why it matters

The MLK Boulevard bridge closure has been a major inconvenience for Pontiac residents, adding time and distance to basic trips around the city. The bridge was originally built in the 1970s to help alleviate traffic when Pontiac had several factories, so its closure has had a significant impact on the community. The completion of the new bridge is expected to restore an important transportation link in the city.

The details

Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness said the old bridge was demolished earlier this year after structural problems were discovered. The new engineering design for the replacement bridge took about 36 weeks, and now heavy equipment and construction crews are on site working to rebuild the span. McGuinness acknowledged the project has moved more slowly than residents would like, but said this was because everything had to be properly approved and authorized before work could begin, in order to secure the necessary federal and state funding.

  • The old MLK Boulevard bridge in Pontiac closed in 2022 after structural problems were discovered.
  • The bridge was demolished earlier this year to make way for the new construction project.
  • The engineering design for the replacement bridge took approximately 36 weeks.
  • Construction crews began working on the new bridge in early 2026.
  • Pontiac officials expect the new bridge to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Mike McGuinness

The mayor of Pontiac, Michigan who provided updates on the bridge project's progress and funding.

Harriet Lance

A Pontiac resident who lives near the MLK Boulevard bridge and expressed frustration over the repeated delays in the project.

Walter Robinson

A Pontiac resident who lives near the bridge and said the noise from the ongoing construction is a small price to pay for the long-awaited progress.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really glad.”

— Harriet Lance, Pontiac resident

“I felt like we were being looked over.”

— Harriet Lance, Pontiac resident

“Before I left Michigan, I could come from the east side of Pontiac straight to the hospital without having to go here, make a U-turn, and then go to the hospital.”

— Walter Robinson, Pontiac resident

What’s next

Pontiac officials say there is still no firm reopening date for the new MLK Boulevard bridge, but they expect the $14 million construction project to be completed by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

The long-delayed reconstruction of Pontiac's MLK Boulevard bridge is a significant infrastructure project for the city, restoring an important transportation link that has been closed for years. While the project has faced repeated timeline changes that frustrated nearby residents, the progress now being made is a welcome sight for the community.