George James

Military Street Bridge Operating on Restricted Open Schedule

Port Huron, MI — The Military Street Bridge in Downtown Port Huron is currently following the Code of Federal Regulation to reduce potential shut-downs due to damage, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The Military Street Bridge opens and closes as needed to allow tall boats to navigate the Black River, which leads to the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Currently, it is following the Federal Code by only opening if five or more boats are waiting to cross, as well as on the hour and half-hour.

The bascule bridge is currently undergoing repairs to its hydraulic system and the change is meant to reduce wear and tear on the structure. Emergency openings for Coast Guard traffic are an exception to the Federal Regulation.

Temporary repairs have been made to allow the bridge to open and close. Otherwise, it would remain in the open position to allow for boat traffic, but causing a vehicle traffic detour on the business loop. The permanent repairs are waiting until parts come in. The repairs are expected to be completed following Labor Day weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lightship To Get Much-Needed Repairs

Port Huron, MI — The Huron Lightship needs some serious repair after last summer’s damage. City Manager James Freed has recommended that the City of Port Huron award a contract to Martin Construction to repair the structure.

A rare meteotsunami caused water levels in the St. Clair River to quickly raise and then recede, resulting in significant damage to the Huron Lightship. The boat, which had been permanently grounded at Pine Grove Park for decades, actually floated up and destroyed much of the mechanical structures.

Some work has already been done to repair the Lightship, which is a working Museum, under the management of Port Huron Museums. It is not currently open to visitors due to the damage.

The final restoration involves replacing the damaged walkway to the Lightship and backfilling around the ship to maintain stability. After soliciting bids from several contractors, Martin Construction was the only contractor willing to take on the project. The cost is $62,400 for the complete project.

According to Freed, the backfilling needs to take place quickly to ensure the stability of the vessel.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kids Likely to Have to Mask Up in School 

Don’t throw those masks away just yet. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidance for Back-to-School as the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is sweeping the nation. 

The MDHHS guidance is based on updated Centers for Disease Control recommendations. The focus is on keeping school buildings open and keeping kids in school as much as possible. Risk level assessment and layering of prevention measures are part of the strategy. 

The strategies include vaccinating as many people as are eligible for the vaccine. Right now, that is people aged twelve and older. Consistent and correct mask use is also part of the current strategy. The CDC recommends that all students and staff continue to mask up. 

Physical distancing, screening and testing, hand-washing, improved ventilation, and contact tracing are all part of the layering approach. 

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “We continue to urge all eligible residents to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as it is our best defense against the virus and the way we are going to end this pandemic.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Blue Water Bridge Commuter Pass Offers Lower Toll

Crossing the Blue Water Bridge has been restricted since the start of the pandemic. There are some updates to the crossing restrictions and a new program for international commuters.

The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that travelers always check with either U.S. Customs and Border Patrol or Canada Border Services to get the latest travel rules. They should also start expecting longer wait times and congestion at the border.

Some of the changes instituted during COVID-19 restrictions have become permanent. Cash is no longer accepted for eastbound travelers. Only commercial cards, debit or credit cards, and the new Edge Commuter Pass are accepted.  

In explaining the commuter pass, Blue Water Bridge Administrator Amy Winn-VanHoeck said, “Our commuter pass program is a newer addition and one we are thrilled to now be offering our customers. The reduced toll rate using this commuter pass makes it very reasonable for customers, and the ease of using the pre-paid pass automated toll lane will help to streamline processes and offers a different method of payment now that we have opted to continue to forgo the use of cash.”

The commuter pass rate is $2.50 per non-commercial vehicle.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Police: Stop Calling 911 for Coyote Sightings

The Sarnia Police are asking residents to deal with wildlife without calling 911. There has been an increase in calls to the 911 dispatch service regarding the spotting of coyotes, deer, and raccoons.

The Sarnia Police remind residents that raccoons in the trash can or coyotes in the street do not constitute an emergency. Police will not respond to sightings of wildlife.

Police may respond if an animal is injured or acting aggressively toward humans. Sarnia Animal Control may then get involved as well.

If a wild animal is making a home in a yard or in the neighborhood, residents will need to contact a pest control company to trap and deal with the animals in an appropriate manner.

Coyotes have been of particular concern in the area, but they generally try to avoid human contact. The Sarnia Police suggest driving the coyotes away by yelling “go away” in a firm voice, banging pots, spraying a water hose, or throwing objects toward the coyote. Flashlights and motion-activated lights can also scare off coyotes.

Bears are a different story, and have been spotted in Lambton County. Bear sightings can be reported to the BearWise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland