Grand Haven Drawbridge

Michigan DOT sent this bulletin at 04/26/2023 04:39 PM EDT
Intermittent short-term closures Thursday night through Sunday...

5-minute TOTAL closures for drawbridge test openings are scheduled for this Thursday night through Sunday on northbound and southbound US-31 over the Grand River. Lane closures on US-31 remain in effect through May 15. This Monday, May 1, the drawbridge will be operational for nautical traffic.

In the event of a bridge failure this year, MDOT plans to use the high voltage lines next to me to carry cars and pick-ups across in a manner similar to how ski lift cars carry skiers up to the top of the hill.

Press Release from Michigan Department of Transportation:

PROJECT TRAFFIC ADVISORY, US-31/M-104, OTTAWA COUNTY, February 17, 2023

The bridge rehabilitation work on the US-31 Bascule Bridge over Grand River and 5 other structures nearby on US-31/M-104 is in construction in the Cities of Grand Haven and Ferrysburg and Village of Spring Lake.

Work continues on the US-31 bascule bridge structure over the Grand River. Mechanical, electrical and bridge coating will continue through the winter months.

Next weekend work will take place that requires overnight FULL CLOSURES of SB US-31 over the Grand River (bascule span) in Grand Haven. The work is weather dependent. The work periods noted below are maximums and may be reduced depending on work conditions. No traffic impacts on SB US-31 during daytime hours between 8:00am and 8:00pm.

Friday, February 24:
8:00pm-Midnight: SB US-31 reduced to 1 lane over the Grand River

Saturday, February 25:
Midnight-4:00am: SB US-31 FULL CLOSURE between M-104 and Adams
4:00am: SB US-31 reduced to 1 lane over the Grand River
8:00am: SB US-31 all lanes open

Additional closure, if needed
Saturday, February 25:
8:00pm-Midnight: SB US-31 reduced to 1 lane over the Grand River

Sunday, February 26:
Midnight-4:00am: SB US-31 FULL CLOSURE between M-104 and Adams
4:00am: SB US-31 reduced to 1 lane over the Grand River
8:00am: SB US-31 all lanes open

During the FULL CLOSURE period SB US-31 traffic will be detoured east on M-104, south on M-231 and west on M-45.

The information below is the anticipated traffic changes while traveling within the construction influence area of the Bridge Rehabilitation work beginning February 17, 2023.

NORTHBOUND US-31
Right lane closed from Jackson Street to Third Street continues.
Access to EB M-104 exit ramp will remain open.
Access to Third Street exit ramp will remain open.
Access to and from Harbor Island Drive will remain open.
Access to Applebee’s will remain open.
Access to Jackson Street will remain open.

SOUTHBOUND US-31
Double lane closure from M-104 to Jackson Street. Max duration 8pm-8am Friday and Saturday nights 2/24-2/25
FULL CLOSURE over the Grand River. Max duration Midnight-4am 2/24-2/25
Access to Third Street exit ramp will remain open.
Access to EB M-104 exit ramp will remain open. This ramp will continue to be narrowed under the US-31 bridge.
Access from WB M-104 entrance ramp will remain open.
Access to Coho Drive will remain open.
Access to Adams Street will remain open.
Access to Jackson Street will remain open.

EASTBOUND M-104
EB M-104 all lanes open.
NB US-31 exit ramp to EB M-104 will remain open.
SB US-31 exit ramp to EB M-104 will remain open.

WESTBOUND M-104
WB M-104 all lanes open.
Access to Pine St will remain open.
Access to NB & SB US-31 will remain open.

LOCAL STREETS – CITY OF GRAND HAVEN
Northbound 7th Street access to NB US-31 will remain open.
Eastbound Jackson Street all lanes will remain open.
Westbound Jackson Street all lanes will remain open
Harbor Island Drive has been reopened.

LOCAL STREETS – VILLAGE OF FERRYSBURG
No changes in traffic pattern.

LOCAL STREETS – VILLAGE OF SPRING LAKE
No changes in traffic pattern.

NON-MOTORIZED TRAVEL PATHWAY
Non-motorized path will remain open.

NAVIGABLE WATERS
Spring Lake Channel
Work under M-104 bridge has been completed.
Grand River

The bascule bridge is secured to masted watercraft until April 30, 2023. The bridge will remain inoperable during the closure period.

Due to the post-fireworks traffic on US-31 this evening, I will not be opening for boats after 9:30pm. Anyone that cannot get under me when I am down will need to wait until 2am to get upriver.

Once tonight's fireworks show concludes, I will not be opening to boats until after midnight to allow northbound motorists to get home.

Emergency repairs have necessitated lane closures on my northbound span, leaving just one lane open until some time tomorrow (May 22).

If you can, take my little brother bridges at 68th or M231 to cross the Grand River.