Portage Lake Lift Bridge closed to snowmobiles in Michigan

The Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Michigan is now closed to snowmobiles for the rest of the season. This decision comes as warm weather has caused melting snow, making the crossing unsafe. State officials announced the closure, despite the forecast predicting some snow accumulation this week. So far, the Keweenaw Peninsula has seen 267.75 inches of snowfall this winter. The bridge, which connects Hancock and Houghton, usually allows snowmobiles to cross its lower level during winter. However, recent weather has exposed parts of the bridge that could be damaged by snowmobile equipment. John Codere, a ranger with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), explained that the exposed steel grating poses a hazard. As a result, the route on Snowmobile Trail UP3 will not reopen this season, even with the potential for more snow. Snowmobiles now need to be transported by trailer across the bridge. The DNR made this decision in collaboration with the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club. The official end of the snowmobiling season is March 31.