HOUGHTON, MI— As part of ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion and improve mobility at the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, the Michigan Department of Transportation has secured a temporary deviation from the regulations governing operations of the bridge for this summer.
During a trial period running through September 6, the U.S. Coast Guard will allow MDOT to restrict openings to the top of the hour and the half hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays. During the trial period, the bridge will continue to be opened on signal to pass any vessel more than 300 feet in length, or any time five or more vessels gather at the bridge requesting an opening.
Throughout the summer, the Coast Guard will be accepting public comment for the temporary deviation to help determine if it should be made permanent.
