(WWJ) - Michigan bridge authorities called for immediate action on structure repairs following the Pittsburgh, PA bridge collapse, reporting over 10% of the state's bridges were deemed "structurally deficient."
Rob Coppersmith, the Executive Vice President of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), said over 1,200 bridges across the state currently have key elements in poor condition.
"This is unacceptable," Coppersmith said.
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MITA spokesman, Lance Binoniemi, told WWJ's Michael Cohen that over 50 bridges were forced to close across the state in the last few years because of their crumbling condition.
"We’re looking at bridges that are 50, 60, 70-years-old and a life span of 30 to 40 years, so they are way past their life expectancy," he said.
Both men expressed concern over the rise in bridge failures across the country and said state legislators need to do more to ensure Michigan bridges stay in good shape, calling the bridge collapse in Pittsburg a "wake up call."
“We need immediate action to prevent a similar bridge disaster here in Michigan like what we saw today in Pittsburgh," Coppersmith said.
MITA estimated state lawmakers would need to dedicate a minimum of $2.5 billion to see proper repairs done, but more will be needed to maintain the safe condition of other bridges.
Binoniemi told WWJ's Michael Cohen that he hoped Michigan approves the necessary funding that is available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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"The legislature continues to sit on over $7 billion in investments that can be used and a lot of that can be put into our infrastructure," Binoniemi said.
"We're hopeful that they do that quickly."
The MITA's call to action comes hours after the Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed in Pittsburg, PA, injuring 10 people -- the bridge was given a "poor" rating by inspectors in 2017.