The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on May 4 that it will inspect and clean several bascule bridges in the northern Lower Peninsula from May 18 to May 22. The scheduled work includes the US-31 bridge over the Manistee River in Manistee, the US-31 bridge over the Pine River Channel in Charlevoix, and the US-23 bridge over the Cheboygan River in Cheboygan.
The project aims to remove sand and salt buildup to prevent corrosion and maintain safe operation of these movable bridges. According to MDOT, single-lane closures with traffic shifts will be implemented during inspection days, but one lane will remain open in each direction at all times.
This maintenance is intended to ensure that “the bridges can open and close safely and reliably,” according to MDOT. The work affects communities including Manistee, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan along highways US-31 and US-23.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, more than 4,800 bridges, as well as non-motorized trails, railroad track, airports, and other facilities according to its official website. The department employs more than 2,800 people across seven regions with a network of service centers statewide according to its official website.
MDOT’s mission focuses on serving people, communities, and supporting economic connections through transportation efforts according to its official website. Leadership includes a director alongside key executives such as a chief administrative officer and chief operations officer according to its official website.
MDOT’s responsibilities cover a state highway system spanning nearly 9,669 miles along with associated infrastructure throughout Michigan according to its official website. The department oversees maintenance for M-, I-, and US-designated routes while also managing rail services, public transit programs, aviation initiatives, non-motorized trails management efforts as well as transportation safety standards according to its official website.
