ASCE Michigan Section Logo

Established in 1916, the ASCE Michigan Section is one of the largest and most active Sections maintaining over 2,500 members. There are 6 active Branches in Michigan including the Northwest, Western, Saginaw Valley, Southwest, Lansing/Jackson, and Southeast. Civil Engineers in Michigan are encouraged to join ASCE to develop leadership skills, enhance their knowledge of the latest technology and engineering practices, and to network with other civil engineering professionals.

 

 

Portage Lake Lift Bridge Recognized as
National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

 

Portage Lift Bridge 
The Portage Lake Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock was officially dedicated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on June 17. 

At a public ceremony kicking off the annual BridgeFest, commemorative plaques were presented to officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), which were then given to the cities of Houghton and Hancock for public display on each side of the bridge.

"It's really a big, big achievement for not just the community but for MDOT and the state of Michigan as a whole," said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. "This bridge was built in 1959 - no computers, all the calculations were done by hand - the heaviest lift bridge in the world at the time."

ASCE’s Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Program recognizes historically significant local, national, and international civil engineering projects, structures, and sites. More than 200 markers around the world sponsored by the ASCE recognize these sites.

For more information about the bridge and the dedication, see MDOT's news bulletin.
 

Announcements

ASCE Michigan Weighs in on Dam Failures

ASCE Michigan Section President, Jacob Rushlow, PE, was interviewed on WXYZ and WDIV television stations regarding Michigan's failing dams and infrastructure as a whole. James Hegarty, another ASCE member, was also interviewed by the Detroit Free Press and NPR. Congratulations to the ASCE Michigan Section for being the go-to source in the wake of the mid-Michigan dam failures.

WXYZ video: https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/2-inspectors-regulate-1-059-michigan-dams--can-they-stop-another-failure
WDIV video: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2020/05/22/flashpoint-52420-michigans-neglected-and-dangerous-infrastructure-survivors-of-covid-19-on-battling-disease/

Governor Whitmer Attends Michigan Infrastructure Conference

Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the audience at the 2019 Michigan Infrasture Conference on May 16 to share her plan on "Fixing the Damn Roads". ASCE Michigan Section President Christopher Owen, PE, presented the Governor with a framed limited edition Mackinac Bridge print. 

Infrastructure Report Card

 

The American Society of Civil Engineers unveiled their 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure on March 3. The nation earned a 'C-', up from the 2017's cumulative GPA of 'D+'.

For more information on the 2021 Report Card, please click here.

The 2018 Infrastructure Report Card for Michigan was released in March. Visit the Resources tab for additional details and links to access the report card.