Portage Lift Bridge Question.....

[jr37]

We spent the week of July 11th at the Ramada in Hancock. We had a great week, everything was awesome. But, I love it there, so I wouldn't expect it to be any different. We stayed there because it was close to Mich. Tech, where my son was taking an engineering class.

During the week we saw the Lift Bridge raise and lower many times for boats, but 2 times they lowered it for reasons that stump me. Twice they lowered the bridge and logging equipment passed through on the lower deck. Why do they lower it and then pass through on the same deck that they would have driven on if the would have left it up and just drove on the highway? They didn't appear to be overweight loads. Just seems odd to me. Any of you fine folks from the U.P. have an answer for me?

 

[mezz]

Generally, during the summer navigation, the bridge will have the span lifted to the lower deck level to accommodate the boat traffic that regularly passes through the canal. This alleviates having to constantly stop traffic for the regular smaller craft. Anything with a mast, they must raise to allow the craft to pass through safely, not to mention the passage of the Ranger III which takes folks out to Isle Royal.-Mezz

 

[jr37]

Generally, during the summer navigation, the bridge will have the span lifted to the lower deck level to accommodate the boat traffic that regularly passes through the canal. This alleviates having to constantly stop traffic for the regular smaller craft. Anything with a mast, they must raise to allow the craft to pass through safely, not to mention the passage of the Ranger III which takes folks out to Isle Royal.-Mezz

Yes, I understand all of that. But, twice they lowered the bridge ,to it's winter position, and trucks passed through on the lower deck, while all of the normal traffic passed above them on the upper deck. Both times it was logging equipment. Just wondering why it happened this way.

 

[exciteable]

There is more overhead clearance on the bottom of the bridge at both sides of the lift span. Therefore when a "high" permitted load crosses the canal, they will use the lower portion of the structure.

I think !

 

[jr37]

There is more overhead clearance on the bottom of the bridge at both sides of the lift span. Therefore when a "high" permitted load crosses the canal, they will use the lower portion of the structure.

I think !

Not sure that makes sense. If it was a "high" load, then I would think you would lower the bridge and cross on the top deck, not the lower deck. The lower deck has height restrictions, were as top deck would have a higher restriction.

 

[HIGHLANDER]

that's done because if theres too much weight and the bridge breaks, they wont have as far to fall into the water...which raises the survival rate significantly

 

[shelby369]

I also wondered this, so I did some extensive research and found that Pokémon lives on the underside of the bridge, I think those lumbers guys where looking for that guy on there phones while crossing the lower level.........

 

[sweeperguy]

I also wondered this, so I did some extensive research and found that Pokémon lives on the underside of the bridge, I think those lumbers guys where looking for that guy on there phones while crossing the lower level.........

That's a good one!

 

[eao]

call them up and ask 1-906-482-4877

Tell them you are writing a book and need to know.