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ST. IGNACE -- The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced several upcoming projects and a public meeting in the eastern and western Upper Peninsula, including repairs to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, traffic signal maintenance in Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties and an Oct. 23 meeting of the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority.
Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority to meet in St. Ignace
The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority will meet from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Little Bear East Arena and Community Center, 275 Marquette St., in St. Ignace.
The authority oversees the construction, maintenance and operation of a proposed utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel is intended to house a replacement segment for the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, which currently rest on the bottom of the straits. It also would accommodate other utilities to improve infrastructure connections.
The authority will own the tunnel after construction and provide independent oversight throughout its life.
Community members, interested residents, Michigan Department of Transportation staff and contractors are among those invited to participate in the meeting.
The full agenda will be available on the MSCA website, and the meeting will be streamed live on YouTube.
Written public comments may be submitted through the MSCA comment form or by email to MDOT-MSCA@Michigan.gov. Members of the public who comment in person will have up to three minutes to address the authority.
People needing assistance to participate in the meeting are encouraged to contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov, preferably at least five business days before the meeting.
Portage Lake Lift Bridge repairs scheduled
In the western Upper Peninsula, MDOT will conduct repairs to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock from Monday, Oct. 19, through Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The work will address non-structural damage caused by high-load vehicle impacts.
Motorists should expect single-lane closures on northbound M-26/US-41 each day until approximately 3 p.m. Drivers are advised to plan for possible delays while crews complete the repairs.
MDOT said the work is intended to help maintain the bridge’s safe and reliable operation.
Traffic signal maintenance planned in two counties
MDOT also will perform routine maintenance on traffic caution flashers at four intersections in Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14.
On Tuesday, crews will work at two US 2 intersections in Mackinac County: Manistique Lake Road and Mackinac County Road 1130, also known as Gould City Road. Work at both locations is expected to be completed by 1 p.m.
On Wednesday, maintenance will take place at US-2 and Schoolcraft County Road 432 in Gulliver, as well as M-77 and Schoolcraft County Road H-44, formerly M-98, in Germfask. Work at those intersections is expected to be finished by 4 p.m.
Temporary lane closures will be necessary at the affected intersections during the work.
MDOT is urging motorists to use caution when approaching the work zones and to remain alert for crews and changing traffic conditions.
The scheduled work is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain transportation infrastructure and improve safety for motorists throughout the Upper Peninsula.