WELLS — A closure of the U.S. 2 and 41 bridge over the Escanaba River has been scheduled for Monday, Aug. 27, according to a press release issued by the Michigan Department of Transportation today. The press release also noted work on the project is expected to be substantially completed in November.

Work on the bridge had been halted for several weeks because of a labor dispute.

The closure is set to start at 11 a.m. on Aug. 27, and is expected to end at about 11 p.m. the same day. It is required for the placement of beams for the new bridge.

During the closure period, eastbound traffic will be detoured from U.S. 2 via County Roads 426, 420, and 531 and onto M-35 before returning to U.S. 2. This route will be reversed for westbound traffic. Motorists are advised to be patient and expect delays.

In the interest of reducing conflicts on the detour route, County Road 420 will be closed to through traffic at the east leg of the intersection with County Road 531. Additionally, Rivers 22nd Road will only be open to eastbound traffic between County Road 531 and M-35. To improve traffic flow and reduce backups, law enforcement officials will be present at intersections along the detour route.

As parts of County Road 426 are closed to oversized loads, drivers with oversized loads should contact the Delta County Road Commission at 906-786-3200 Monday through Thursday to determine the most appropriate route.