The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 12 that the US-23 bascule bridge in Cheboygan will be raised and closed to roadway traffic on Monday, April 13, as a precaution against potential flood damage and safety risks.
The closure comes amid concerns about increased water flow in the Cheboygan River, which could erode sediment around the bridge’s foundation. The move aims to protect both infrastructure and public safety during ongoing high water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.
According to engineers monitoring the site, no significant erosion has been found yet around the bridge’s foundation. However, they warn that “increased water flow in the river has the potential to scour the river sediment away from those footings.” The US-23 bascule bridge was built in 1940 and is considered scour critical, meaning its foundation is susceptible to erosive water flow during flood events. There are additional concerns that if debris from upstream were caught beneath it, altered water flow could cause further erosion. “Vehicle occupants and pedestrians on the bridge could be at risk if the Cheboygan Lock and Dam complex were to fail,” officials said.
On Friday, April 10, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to rising water levels at the dam complex. During this closure period, US-23 traffic will be detoured south via Lincoln Avenue Bridge upstream from the dam complex. There is currently no timeline for reopening; an inspection will be required before resuming use.
An operator from the Cheboygan County Road Commission remains on site for emergency openings if needed. MDOT staff are present locally and maintain close contact with local emergency management leadership as well as with Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Dimondale. By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer authorized all available state resources for local response efforts. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) coordinates these efforts through SEOC activation.
Eligible communities may seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act—Public Act 390 of 1976—to help cover costs related to response activities or repairs following storm damage.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with more than 4,800 bridges statewide according to its official website. It employs over 2,800 people across seven regions with numerous service centers according to its official website. MDOT maintains various transportation modes including railroads, airports, non-motorized trails as well as overseeing public transit programs according to its official website.
For more information about current SEOC activation or disaster preparedness tips visit Michigan Department of Transportation’s official website.
