Mine equipment transport set for Monday, Tuesday nights

ISHPEMING, Mich. - Drivers traveling between Gladstone and the Tilden Mine area on the nights of May 13 and 14 can expect delays. Large mine dump truck components will be transported to the Tilden Mine, temporarily blocking traffic.

Under a permit from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), contractors will move two oversized loads from Escanaba to the mine in Tilden Township. The first move is planned for Monday night, May 13, starting at 11 p.m. and finishing by 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, to minimize traffic impacts. The second move is planned to start at 11 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, and finish by 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 15. The transports are weather dependent.

The loads will travel on Delta County roads to M-35, then north on M-35 to M-553. The route continues on Marquette County Road 480 and then back onto M-35 to the mine.

Traffic delays will occur as the haul rig blocks lanes, traveling at low speeds. Michigan State Police will be escorting the oversize load and assisting with traffic control during the operation. Traffic will be stopped ahead of and behind the load. The rig will be pulled over periodically so traffic can pass, as directed by law enforcement.

MDOT encourages motorists to avoid the area during the move. If you are in the area, drive cautiously and heed all directions from law enforcement.