MDOT photo Repairs are moving along well at the US-2 bridge over Portage Creek west of Escanaba in Delta County, according to Michigan Department of Transportation officials. They are optimistic the roadway can be reopened early this week. Some of the remaining work is weather dependent.

ESCANABA — A portion of highway that was badly damaged due to high water could reopen early this week, according to Michigan Department of Transportation officials.

The damage occurred at on US 2 & 41 at a crossing over Portage Creek just west of Escanaba. The pavement damage was the result of high water caused by heavy rains from May 1 through May 3. The section of highway was ultimately closed to traffic the morning of Friday, May 3.

Last week, MDOT officials speculated repairs could take from two to three weeks. If the roadway opens early ts week, repairs will have been completed in about a week and a half.

The completion of repairs will be welcome news for motorists. The portion of highway has been close since May 3 and traffic has been rerouted on a much lengthier detour route.

“Repairs are moving along well at the US-2 bridge over Portage Creek west of Escanaba in Delta County. We’re optimistic the roadway can be reopened early next week. Some remaining work is weather dependent,” said Dan Weingarten, MDOT communications director for the Superior District.

The area received extensive rainfall before the damage occurred.

Problems at the crossing apparently began to develop May 1. At 11 p.m. May 1, MDOT sent an email message saying traffic was being routed into alternating lanes at the site due to emergency road repairs. It reopened at 4:43 p.m. May 2.

At 6:39 a.m. May 3, the roadway was closed again and remains closed.