In all cases where the owner or owners, occupiers, or possessors of any such mill or mills, or other water works, shall refuse or neglect to construct such bridge or bridges, or shall refuse or neglect to keep the same in good repair, it shall be the duty of the commissioner or commissioners having jurisdiction over the road adjacent thereto to proceed forthwith to erect or repair such bridge or bridges, at the expense of the person or persons whose duty it was to have erected or repaired the same.
MCL 254.28