RR Branstrom Daily Press Pavement damage caused by high water is shown on a portion US 2 and 41 west of Escanaba at the Portage Creek crossing. Repairs could take two to three weeks.

ESCANABA — A portion of US 2 and 41 west of Escanaba could be closed for emergency repairs for two to three weeks, according to Michigan Department of Transportation officials.

Dan Weingarten, MDOT communications director for the Superior District said a rough estimate for repairs would be two to three weeks, but there is no estimate for completion. MDOT and Delta County Road Commission crews were expected to be onsite Monday to start permanent repairs. Weingarten said MDOT should have a clearer picture of the situation by mid-week.

High water damaged a portion of US 2 and 41 west of Escanaba to the extent that the highway had to be closed Friday. The damage occurred at a crossing over Portage Creek just west of Escanaba. The pavement damage was the result of high water. The area received extensive rainfall last week and more heavy rainfall is forecast for today, according to the National Weather Service.

Detours are now in place around the damaged portion of roadway. “High water in the creek after recent rains has damaged the east approach to the bridge and undermined pavement. The road will remain closed until emergency repairs can be made,” MDOT officials said.

Problems at the crossing apparently began to develop last Wednesday. At 11 p.m. Wednesday, 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. Thursday.

At 6:39 a.m. Friday morning, the roadway was closed again. It remains closed.