MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - After falling six weeks behind schedule, the Van Atta Road Bridge is close to completion. Due to the recent inclement weather, the construction of the bridge was postponed because of flooding.

“I spoke with the foreman on the project. They will be doing a final asphalting on the bridge this Saturday,” said Kit Rich, coordinator for Harris Nature Center.

Visitors and employees of the Harris Nature Center have been affected by this closure but with the end in sight, detours will be a thing of the past.

“We've had to make adjustments on a few days when our driveway was totally shut down, but we worked it out by having people park up the road and walk in. No one would want to do that all of the time, but they were understanding. Our visitors have all been very patient through this process,” said Rich.

However, one smaller project still lies ahead. While it will not bring detours and closures, it will provide an area of rest for those traveling down river.

“Upon completion of the bridge, a canoe dock will be built along the river, located near Harris Nature Center’s fire circle area,” said Rich.

The bridge is expected to open this week.