The $1.7 million MDOT project at the M-204 bridge over the Lake Leelanau Narrows is expected to be completed by the later part of September, according to MDOT Traverse City Transportation Service Center Manager Rick Liptak.

The restoration entails replacing the bridge decking, widening the bridge, installing pedestrian pathways on both sides and reconstructing the historic pedestrian railings. 

It is open to one-way traffic now and one side of the pedestrian path is complete.

Says Liptak, “We have been very happy with the level of pedestrian usage of the new walkway that was installed on the first stage of construction, and those using it seem to be very happy and complimentary of the improvement.”

Liptak says because the bridge deck was poured on Monday, there will be little activity at the site until after Labor Day while the deck concrete is curing. After Labor Day, the new curb, end blocks, railing, and guardrail will be installed, says Liptak. He advises that even after the bridge is opened to two-way traffic later this month, there will still be some days of one-lane flag control as the approach paving is completed.

Meanwhile, the Leelanau County Road Commission announced yesterday that the culvert project at County Road 669 (South Bohemian Road) north of M-22 has a revised completion date. The road will continue to be closed to all traffic until September 9. County Road 669 provides access to Good Harbor Beach, Shalda Creek outlet, and the Good Harbor Bay Trail, all within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Photo: M-204 Bridge at the Lake Leelanau Narrows by Rick Liptak