A state-managed off-road vehicle route between the Portage Lift Bridge and Dollar Bay in Houghton County has been re-opened after work was completed to create an interim bypass trail route.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the re-opening today after a county health advisory was lifted for the ORV trail Friday.

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services removed an advisory put in place earlier this year alerting the public to hazardous materials located along a section of the trail at the Julio scrapyard properties.

Once the remaining contamination is mitigated, the DNR will cap the trail with gravel and adjust the interim route back onto DNR-managed lands. Until that time, the public can once again safely recreate using the rerouted trail.

“We thank the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Julio family, who recognized the importance of the trail to the local community and worked very hard to accomplish the needed work to open this trail,” said Jeff Kakuk, a trails specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division. “There were definitely some difficulties in maintaining forward progress during this health emergency and it was only through the dedication of all involved that the trail is now able to reopen.”

For the latest on trail and other closures of DNR facilities, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures, and to learn more about Michigan’s recreational trails visit Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.