As weather abates, bridge work continues

More overnight closures are in store for the Portage Lake Lift Bridge next week. The Michigan Department of Transportation says work will resume early Tuesday, with half hour delays expected for pedestrian, bike, and vehicle traffic.

Maintenance was originally scheduled for this week, but several feet of snow fell between Sunday and Thursday, keeping crews off the structure. On December 2nd, the Barge Erie Trader became the largest ship to ever traverse the Keweenaw Waterway. It was pulled by the Tug Clyde S. Vanenkevort and the two vessels were a combined 870 feet in length. The barge measures 78 feet tall, meaning the bridge had to be raised to its maximum elevation. That provided a good barometer for the progress of the work that has been ongoing since July.

More repairs are possible yet this winter if required.

A unique view of the barge going through the canal.