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 inspections, which were originally planned for earlier in the month but postponed, are set to run through Friday, October 24.
During this period, there will be intermittent single-lane closures on the bridge. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times to maintain traffic flow.
Additionally, MDOT will perform multiple test lifts of the bridge on Wednesday and Thursday evenings after 7 p.m. Each lift is expected to last between 10 and 15 minutes, potentially causing brief delays for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Traffic will be allowed to clear between lifts.
From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. nightly between October 20 and 22, the bridge will not open for vessels during inspection hours. However, it will remain in an intermediate position so that boats not needing a full opening can still pass.
“These inspections will help ensure continued safe and reliable operation of the bridge,” according to MDOT.
Alerts Sign-up