HOUGHTON/HANCOCK, MI— The Michigan Department of Transportation is using a collaborative process for upgrades to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
Work includes removing and replacing the upper and lower decks of the lift span, replacing the northernmost span’s concrete deck, and other upgrades.
Plans are currently being designed, reviewed, and compiled using a construction manager/ general contractor process, which identifies potential pitfalls, so solutions can be found early on. As a result, officials are considering replacing the entire lift span rather than improving the existing one. That would involve building a new lift span off-site, disconnecting and floating out the old span on barges, and floating in the replacement.
Officials say that would significantly reduce traffic impacts.
If the concept is deemed feasible, construction could start in 2028 and be completed over two or three years. If not, repairing the current lift span would likely start in 2027.
