Napier Avenue bridge re-opens for select emergency vehicles

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Napier Avenue bridge re-opened Friday for select emergency vehicles only.

The bridge had been closed to all vehicles since April 26, forcing Lakeland Hospital ambulances to take a long detour to transport patients from one side of the St. Joseph River to the other. Emergency vehicles and local traffic were detoured to the Bicentennial Bridge.

Temporary repairs were made to the bridge following support failures on Tuesday, allowing for ambulances and police cars to cross safely. Firetrucks will still have to take the longer route due to the weight of the vehicles.