IRON MOUNTAIN — The reopening of a County Road 569 bridge on the Sturgeon River north of Browns Lake Road in Breen Township might be pushed back to mid-December due to a delay in installing guardrails, Dickinson County commissioners learned Monday.

James Harris, managing director of the county road commission, said he had hoped the project could be finished by Wednesday.

The bridge replacement began Aug. 19 with an initial estimated completion date of Nov. 15. In a Nov. 7 Facebook post, the commission had reported an anticipated 12-day delay related to guardrail posts.

The bridge can’t be considered safe without guardrails, Harris explained to the board.

The posted detour is from U.S. 2 to M-95 to M-69. Motorists who would like to receive updates can join an email list by contacting mberger@dickinsoncrc.com or calling 906-774-1588.

In another matter, Harris said the commission is securing funding through Michigan’s Local Bridge Program for culvert work on Groveland Mine Road, along with County Road 569 at Foster City. That work would take place in 2027.

In other action, the county board:

— Learned from Commissioner Barbara Kramer that the Michigan Department of Transportation plans to report Tuesday, Dec. 3, on traffic survey results for U.S. 2 from Park Avenue in Iron Mountain south to the intersection of U.S. 141 in Breitung Township. Recommendations might be forthcoming on safety, both short-term and long-range, she said. No large allocations could be made for at least five years, she added.

— Heard Controller Brian Bousley report the county expects to hire a forester on a contractual basis to help manage county properties.

— Heard Commissioner Joe Stevens compliment the Dickinson County Planning Commission on helping prepare an updated county master plan. The 58-page draft plan can be viewed at https://cuppad.org/dickinson-county-master-plan-public-review/.

— Received a reminder from Kramer that the annual Lights at the Lake will open Thursday at Lake Antoine Park, running through Dec. 31. The free drive-thru event allows motorists to see lighted displays at up to 63 designated campground sites throughout the park. There will be an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, when site sponsors will be at their displays to greet visitors.