News - Detailed Portage Lake Lift Bridge inspection begins May 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018
CONTACT: Dan Weingarten, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-4809                   
                       weingartend@michigan.gov

  

Detailed Portage Lake Lift Bridge inspection begins May 14

COUNTY:
Houghton

HIGHWAY:
US-41/M-26

CLOSEST CITIES:
Houghton and Hancock                                

ESTIMATED STARTING DATE:
Monday, May 14, 2018                    

ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE:
Saturday, June 2, 2018

PROJECT:
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be conducting routine detailed inspections of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, including evaluation of structural, mechanical and electrical components.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS:
Intermittent lane closures and frequent opening of the bridge will be required from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Closures will affect vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. One lane of vehicle traffic will be open in each direction from May 21 through 24. There will be a period when traffic on the M-26 connector ramp will be stopped to allow inspections.

In accordance with a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, there will be periods of time where the bridge will be inoperable for marine traffic between May 14 and 18. The bridge will remain in the intermediate position during these periods. Additionally, there will be periods when mariners will be required to give a 30-minute advance notice requesting the bridge to be opened. A notice to mariners will be issued on marine radio during these times.

SAFETY BENEFITS:
These periodic inspections help ensure continued safe operation of the bridge and identify priorities for future maintenance and repair work.

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