Preparation begins for Langley Covered Bridge project

The water level in the Sturgis Dam reservoir starts its drawdown today as part of repairs to the Langley Covered Bridge.

The city of Sturgis will oversee the drawdown of the reservoir area upstream of their dam and hydroelectric plant on the St. Joseph River near Centreville. The drawdown is expected to impact the river by lowering water levels in an area from the dam upstream to Mendon.

Water levels may be expected to rise downstream of the dam as far as Three Rivers.

The depth of the reservoir will be reduced three feet over the course of several days, with a maximum drawdown rate of six inches per day. Those with boats or other watercraft docked on the river should make necessary arrangements to move or secure their craft, as the drawdown is expected to significantly lower the water level upstream of the dam.

In order to protect hibernating wildlife along the affected shoreline, the river level will stay lowered until April 30.

Work on the covered bridge begins today and it will be closed to traffic through the end of the year.