MDOT, State Police Warn Against Trespassing at M-30 Bridge Building Site in Gladwin County

May flooding and dam failures resulted in significant damage to roads and bridges, including the M-30 causeway bridge over the Tobacco River. Photo: MDOT Photography Unit.

The Michigan Department of Transportation released the following on Friday, January 8, 2021:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan State Police (MSP) are warning the public that trespassing is prohibited at the active M-30 temporary bridge work zone in Gladwin County. Both MDOT and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have previously issued warnings regarding trespassing at the bridge building and dam stabilization sites. MSP and local enforcement agencies are continuing to increase patrols to eliminate trespassing and increase safety for both contractors and the public.

The M-30 corridor currently has multiple barricades warning against trespassing. The M-30 bridge over the Tittabawassee River was opened to local traffic in mid-September following completion of work to repair both the bridge and road approach. That bridge is open only to
authorized personnel, including residents of Mayfly Drive. Further north, additional barricades prohibit entrance due to conditions of the active work site.

In an effort to expedite completion of the temporary bridge, MDOT and contractors are often working 24-hour shifts. The presence of heavy equipment and materials make the site a danger to anyone not authorized to be in the area. During rare occasions when the site is not
active, conditions remain too dangerous to allow foot traffic.

MSP has committed increased patrols to monitor the site and remove any individuals found trespassing at these protected work sites. MDOT and EGLE also reminds the public that the ongoing dam stabilization project will result in rapidly changing water levels and impact the
stability of ice. Winter recreation activities are not advised during this ongoing work.