NEWBERRY, MI -- M-123 bridge work between Newberry and Tahquamenon Falls is going as planned and is on schedule, according to M-DOT, but the Newberry Chamber of Commerce wants to remind you even though construction has closed the Murphy Creek crossing, businesses are still up and running.

Jomay Bomber, the Director of Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce, said there's no doubt the bridge closure has impacted businesses negatively.  A local brewery calls the closure devastating on business and numbers are down at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  The impact is on top of a slow winter season because of the lack of snow in the Upper Peninsula.

Bomber says the businesses are open and accessible, and wants to get the word out.  She says while the bridge is closed, there are alternative routes along county roads or M-123 between Paradise and Eckerman.

The bridge is expected to be complete on June 24th.