The Portage Lake Lift Bridge span is currently positioned to allow for small marine traffic to pass beneath it. (Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced it has been authorized to make changes in the operation of Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

From Monday, May 4, through Thursday, May 6, between the hours of 7 p.m. and midnight, bridge operators will require a two-hour advance notice for openings from boaters, as crews will be conducting inspections on the bridge.

“Basically, if boaters want the bridge to raise during those hours, they’re going to have to give us an advance warning,” Dan Weingarten, MDOT communications representative, said. “Boaters should provide a two-hour notice directly to the bridge operator by calling 906-482-7552.”

Weingarten said announcing MDOT announcing bridge restrictions is mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard, because the USCG has federal authority over the Keweenaw Waterway, which includes Portage Lake.

“This is a Coast Guard requirement,” Weingarten said. “They’re the ones that have priority over the waterway, so anytime we want to change anything or work on the bridge, we have to clear it with them, and they like us to an announcement in the local newspaper.”