Snowmobile crossing opening next week

Late Monday will represent the first time this season where snowmobilers can traverse the Portage Canal between Houghton and Hancock. The Keweenaw Snowmobile Club announced on Facebook yesterday that they will have access to the lower level of the lift bridge starting on Monday.

Groomers work with local officials to lay a mat across the grating originally meant to support rail trains. Once the mat is down, snow is spread across the span and carefully prepared for sled traffic. Recent snows have helped to rebuild the base necessary to handle visitors in town over the holiday break. Extended range forecasts predict below average temperatures for much of the month of January, providing the first prolonged blast of winter in years.

The full Facebook post can be found here.