Portage Lift Bridge outage plan
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners were able to get the first look at a contingency plan in case there is an emergency involving the Portage Lift Bridge.
Emergency Measures Director Jack Dueweke presented a draft of the plan to the board for their support.
Since northern Houghton County and all of Keweenaw County rest on what is essentially an island, a single mechanical failure of the lift bridge could affect thousands of residents.
Dueweke pointed out that the scenario is just a matter of time.
A temporary bridge that could be set up during an emergency is currently being looked into.
A second permanent bridge is not likely an option because the area does not meet the criteria to have one built plus the cost of a second bridge was estimated to be at least 40-million dollars.
The emergency plan will be presented to other local municipalities for their support.