The City of Port Huron is moving ahead with ice breaking operations along the Black River in an effort to reduce the risk of spring flooding.
Work is scheduled to begin Thursday at 8 a.m., when Purdy Fisheries will use an ice-breaking tugboat to start clearing ice from the mouth of the river north to the I-94 Bridge.
As operations get underway, drivers should expect intermittent drawbridge openings at the Military Street Bridge, 7th Street Bridge, and 10th Street Bridge. The duration of the project will depend on ice thickness and weather conditions.
City officials say the goal is to stay ahead of rising temperatures and prevent ice jams that can cause flooding in low lying areas.
Residents are urged to avoid going out onto river ice and to stay clear of any open water created during the process. Property owners in flood prone areas are also encouraged to move patio furniture, docks, lawn equipment, and personal watercraft away from the river as a precaution.
