Barrett Highlights Federal Infrastructure Investment to Replace Shiawassee County Bridge

Image May 5, 2026 Press Release Funding Barrett Secured Will Restore Broken Bridge in Burns Township Burns Township, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) met with Shiawassee County officials to review the closed New Lothrop Road Bridge that he secured $1 million in federal funding to replace. This project to restore use of New Lothrop Road in Burns Township is part of the $146 million total Barrett has delivered for infrastructure, public safety, research, and other projects in mid-Michigan. “The ‘Road Closed’ sign has stood on the failing bridge for far too long, forcing Byron-area first responders and families to take a longer route through the community,” said Barrett. “Hearing directly from local leaders made it clear — repairing this bridge will mean more direct routes for families, children taking school buses, and most importantly, police, firefighters, and paramedics. This is exactly the kind of investment that makes a real difference in people’s daily lives. I was proud to deliver for Shiawassee County, and I'm committed to making sure all mid-Michigan communities have the reliable infrastructure they deserve.” Image Joining Barrett at the bridge were Shiawassee County Road Commissioners John Plowman and Ric Crawford, Road Commission Managing Director Chris Cannon, and Amanda N. Hemeyer, the county highway engineer. “Since 2023, local residents and commuters have had to go miles out of the way because the New Lothrop Road Bridge is closed,” said Chris Cannon, managing director of the Shiawassee County Road Commission. “We are so thankful for Congressman Barrett’s work to secure federal resources for rebuilding the bridge. Restoring this critical infrastructure will help Shiawassee County drivers get to their destinations more easily.” Image The bridge crosses the Shiawassee River on South New Lothrop Road between Bath Road and Lehring Road. Click here to learn more about the $146 million investments that Barrett has secured for mid-Michigan. Image Image