Safety officials lower vehicle weight limit on Sheldon Road bridge
Safe travel across a Sheldon Road bridge in Canton Township depends on the make and model of vehicle being driven.
Following a safety inspection by staff members from the Wayne County Department of Public Services in May, the bridge has been determined unsafe for vehicles of more than 3 tons. That would include heavy-duty consumer trucks, commercial box trucks and large luxury SUV vehicles, according to a cautionary statement from Wayne County issued last week.
The bridge, which connects Michigan Avenue and Palmer Road was formerly designated as safe for vehicles up to 18 tons, officials said. Passenger cars, light-duty pickup trucks and most other vehicles usually weigh less than the 3-ton limit and can safely use the Sheldon Road bridge which provides access across the Sine Drain, officials said. Township officials noted on a media post that vehicles including the “Ford F-550, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, Ram 3500 and Lincoln Navigator L may exceed” the new limit imposed by safety inspectors.
The replacement of the bridge is scheduled for “sometime in the fall of next year,” according to a statement from Canton Township.
Officials said the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is usually found on the information sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. The information, sometimes labeled GVWR, is included with the tire and loading information provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
Wayne County officials said no disruption is expected to businesses or residents using vehicles within the new limit but cautioned drivers to use caution while crossing the bridge.
More information is available from the Wayne County 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.
