Eastern Michigan University replaced the University Park bridge this week, removing the old structure Monday and completing the restoration work Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
The changes were made to increase safety and create a bridge that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Project Engineer Christopher Longerbeam said.
Since the beginning of the fall semester, the university has been working to make the University Park pond a safer space for students and visitors. Fences have been added to the sides of the docks, and the wooden decking has been replaced with new material.
Longerbeam said the bridge was the final piece of the renovation project.
On Monday, the renovations at University Park were highlighted by the presence of a large construction crane that lifted the original arched bridge away from its previous position over the water.
A large crane lifts the old University Park bridge up and away from the pond at Eastern Michigan University on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. The bridge is being renovated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"If you come tomorrow, you will be able to take a picture of the new bridge,” Longerbeam said Monday as the work progressed.
On Tuesday, during a phone call, Longerbeam provided an update on the project: “Today, work will be done.”
The arched bridge over EMU's University Park pond was removed Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, leaving both sides of the pond temporarily disconnected.
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities and includes requirements for public spaces to be wheelchair accessible. The changes in University Park were designed to allow those in wheelchairs to traverse the walkways and bridge safely.
The new bridge sits in place over EMU's University Park pond the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. The new bridge replaces the previous arched design with an accessible, flat walkway.
