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Repairs and upgrades to US-31 Charlevoix bascule bridge starting next week

COUNTY:
Charlevoix

HIGHWAY:
US-31

CLOSEST CITY:
Charlevoix

ESTIMATED STARTING DATE:
Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 (weather dependent)

ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE:
Tuesday, March 31, 2020

PROJECT:
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $1.1 million to make structural steel repairs and replace the underwater cable providing power and control to both sides of the US-31 bascule bridge in Charlevoix. This project also will include replacement and upgrade of electrical components that control the bridge's various mechanical systems.

Project map

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS:                    
This work will primarily require single-lane closures and traffic shifts, with one lane open in each direction, except for:

- The bridge will be closed to traffic for two nights between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on two dates that have not yet been scheduled. During those closures, traffic will be detoured on US-31, US-131, M-32, and M-66. Closures will be announced in advance. Those closures are expected to occur the nights of Tuesday, Jan. 7, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, weather and work progress permitting.

- During installation of the underwater cable and limit switches, intermittent nighttime testing of the bridge will occur, resulting in closures to traffic of up to 15 minutes.

SAFETY FEATURES:                   
This project includes upgrades and repairs to the bridge's structural steel and electrical components, designed to extend its service life and maintain reliability.