Bridge Problems: Day 2 (or 3)
August 5, 2010
According to the executive director at the Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce:
MDOT investigating
Portage Lake Lift Bridge operation problem
August 5, 2010– To correct the operation problem that resulted in the Portage Lake Lift Bridge being stuck in the open position on two occasions the past two days, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and consulting engineers will be diagnosing the cause of that problem today. The bridge is currently in the intermediate position and is open to auto traffic.
In order to diagnose the problem, engineers will need to raise and lower the deck several times, starting at 6 p.m. today. As the cause of the closures is not yet known, this diagnosis may result in the bridge becoming stuck again, perhaps for an extended period.
“We understand the inconvenience motorists and boaters experienced Tuesday and Wednesday, and that is why we are waiting until after the busiest traffic times have passed to begin this diagnosis,” said Andy Sikkema, manager of the MDOT Ishpeming Transportation Service Center. “However, there may be further delays before we can correct this issue completely.”
To prevent the bridge becoming stuck in the “up” position, MDOT is currently not raising the bridge for boating traffic on Portage Lake. Vessels no higher than 30 feet may still pass beneath the bridge.
In the event that the diagnostic work causes another traffic disruption, traffic will be rerouted through Houghton and Hancock. Motorists who need to travel near downtown Houghton or Hancock during a bridge closure must follow the signs and directions of local law enforcement agencies.
For up-to-date information, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive, or follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT.
MDOT says: Construction work zones need your undivided attention.
