Earlier this week a semi truck ran into a part of a US-31 overpass near Holland, MI and it needs to be replaced. This may take a while due to high demand and a very limited supply of steel in Michigan.
The shortage is stemming from the Tappan Zee Bridge project in New York and the Ohio River Bridges Project on the Kentucky/ Indiana border. These projects are eating up a large supply of the available steel in the area causing building projects that involve steel to be put on hold.
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| Photo Courtesy of WZZM13 |
After learning of the shortage and seeing the impact it has been having on building and road projects in the area, WZZM13 set their eye on Cornerstone University's new chapel construction. The rising concern with the steel shortage had people wondering what is happening. WZZM interviewed the architect of the project, Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects, asked his opinion on the matter. "I think what's happening with steel is just a little lead time. So there's supply and demand issue".
Fortunately the builder, Christman Company was thinking ahead and ordered the steel 12 weeks in advance and only paid the going price rather than the 14-16% price increase that builders are having to pay now. This planning was a result of a change in the original plan from wood beams on the interior to steel in the design, "the effect was giving the structure that radial pattern. They're crossing in the center from all four corners" says Visbeen.
To read the full article and to watch the video interview with Wayne Visbeen visit WZZM13.