NEWS - US-31 bascule bridge in Manistee opening to traffic delayed; opening still anticipated prior to Sleighbell Parade

To accommodate two ships arriving in Manistee today and Thursday, the US-31 bascule bridge in Manistee will remain in the up/open position until late Thursday or early Friday. The Manitowoc, carrying a load of coal for the Manistee power plant, is expected to arrive, unload, and depart today. The Sam Laud, carrying construction materials, is expected to arrive Thursday, unload, and depart late Thursday or early Friday.

MDOT had planned to reopen the bridge to vehicular traffic by Thursday, Nov. 30. Bridge operators experienced a malfunction when opening the bridge Wednesday, leading to the decision to keep the bridge in the up/open position to ensure the arriving ships can access the channel. Barring any unforeseen operational issues with the bridge, or delays from the ships, MDOT plans to lower the bridge to the down/closed position late Thursday or early Friday and reopen US-31 to vehicular traffic. The bridge will be closed again, with traffic detoured, beginning Dec. 4.