Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E., Director | Michigan Department Of Transportation
Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E., Director | Michigan Department Of Transportation
Crews from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will conduct routine inspections on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge connecting Houghton and Hancock starting Monday, October 20. The work will include multiple test lifts of the bridge on Wednesday and Thursday evenings after 7 p.m., which may cause short delays for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Each lift is expected to last between 10 and 15 minutes, with traffic allowed to clear between lifts.
Intermittent single-lane closures will be in place from October 20 through October 24. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. nightly between October 20 and October 22, the bridge will not lift for vessels while inspections are underway. The bridge will be set at an intermediate position so that boats not requiring a full opening can pass under it at any time.
The inspections were originally scheduled for earlier in the month but have been postponed until next week. According to MDOT, "These inspections will help ensure continued safe and reliable operation of the bridge."
Alerts Sign-up