Houghton, MI – Drivers in the Houghton-Hancock area should prepare for lane closures on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge next week as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) conducts routine inspections.
According to MDOT, the inspections will begin Monday, Oct. 20, and continue through Friday, Oct. 24. The work will require intermittent single-lane closures, though at least one lane in each direction will remain open at all times.
From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. nightly between Oct. 20 and Oct. 22, the bridge will not lift for vessels while crews perform inspections. During those hours, the structure will be set at an intermediate position, allowing only smaller boats to pass underneath.
MDOT officials said the inspections were initially scheduled earlier this month but were postponed until next week. The agency added that the work is essential to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the bridge connecting Houghton and Hancock.
Motorists are advised to plan for minor travel delays and use caution while crossing the bridge during the inspection period.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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