UPDATE: The Memorial Bridge is now fixed and traffic is returning to normal.
This article originally appeared in the Petoskey News Review on 5/3/2019.
CHARLEVOIX — Around 10:45 a.m. today, Friday, officials with the Charlevoix-Cheboygan-Emmet Central Dispatch Authority issued a notice that Memorial Bridge — the bascule bridge that spans the Pine River Channel in Charlevoix — is closed as crews work to address mechanical issues the bridge is experiencing.
In a second update, 911 officials reported that Michigan Department of Transportation officials are aware of the problem and a technician is expected on site by about 1 p.m.
U.S. 31 traffic is currently being diverted at Boyne City-Charlevoix Road on the north side and M-66 on the south side.
Speaking to the News-Review around 11:15 a.m., Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman James Lake said that earlier in the day a bridge operator was closing the bridge and the bridge would not move into the fully closed and locked position.
"This means that it is stuck between the open and closed position. So the bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic and boat traffic," Lake said.
Lake said that the first priority for crews will be to get the bridge into the down and locked position so it can be reopened to U.S. 31 traffic.
Charlevoix City Manager Mark Heydlauff said, “The bridge is about a foot from closing in the down position so there is no traffic able to cross by water or by vehicle.”
"We understand there is an electrician that could be here by 1 p.m., but there is also a crew on its way from Gaylord, which may get here faster," Heydlauff said. "I don’t if they have some ability to do some work or not."
Earlier this week crews were on hand working with the Bridge Lighting Project to begin testing lights, but Heydlauff said he does believe there is a connection to the current electrical issue.
“I am being told it is related to the same electrical issue that affected the bridge last summer,” Heydlauff said
City emergency services is coordinating with other agencies to make sure each side of the Pine River Channel has access to public safety, Heydlauff said.
"Emergency crews are in route to cover things on both sides of the channel,” Heydlauff said. "[Charlevoix] Township Fire Department is taking precautions. There is an ambulance service currently being covered by Boyne City and we are sending an ambulance around to cover any EMS issues on the north side of the city in Charlevoix and Hayes townships."
"We appreciate the cooperation that the neighboring law enforcement and Public Safety agencies as they assist in the city at this time," Heydlauff added.
An update on the situation will be posted when more information becomes available.