Repairs starting Monday

ESCANABA- Motorists traveling along the U.S. 2 and 41/M-35 corridor between Escanaba and Gladstone should be prepared for traffic delays starting Monday.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin repairing the substructure piers of the Escanaba River Bridge, which will result in intermittent lane closures.

According to James Lake of MDOT's Office of Communications, the Escanaba River Bridge project also calls for the application of the SafeLane anti-icing and anti-skid surface on the bridge deck.

"With the application of the SafeLane anti-icing and anti-skid surface, there will be traffic delays," said Lake.

He also said while workers are repairing the substructure piers, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction of travel throughout the week.

"Lane restrictions will be lifted on Saturday and Sunday through the duration of the project," said Lake.

The project is expected to be completed prior to the Labor Day holiday weekend, which begins Sept. 4.

Lake further noted the project will extend the service life of the bridge, while also improving winter driving safety for all motorists.

Currently a complete replacement of the Escanaba River Bridge is scheduled to be undertaken in 2017.