MDOT completes lift bridge maintenance

Before the storms rolled in early Thursday morning, Michigan Department of Transportation crews were able to complete maintenance on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. The initial alert said work may continue until six that morning, but heavy rains and lightning were present well over an hour before then.

MDOT’s Dan Weingarten confirms that the work was wrapped up early, with only a couple closures required.

Vehicle, pedestrian, and bike traffic were all affected. The crews were greasing the cables to ensure the structure could continue to lift and lower effectively. It is required at least once a year.