Safety Tips Archives - Marquette Board of Light & Power

Community Advisory: Roadside Utility Work Ongoing Through Summer – Drive Safe and Stay Alert

mzavislak June 24, 2025

The Marquette Board of Light & Power would like to inform all community members and visitors that utility work will be taking place along various roadsides throughout the summer months. Crews will be working to upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable service for all residents. Crews will also be working on behalf of the MBLP on an extended project to increase the reliability and resiliency of our system. The construction of this project will be taking place along the roadside of CR 480, M-553 (S. McClelland Ave), & Division St throughout the summer.

To protect both workers and drivers, we are asking the public to remain vigilant when approaching work zones. Please slow down, move over when possible, and avoid distractions while driving near utility crews.

“Summer is a busy time for infrastructure improvements, and we want to make sure our workers return home safely each day,” said Tim Kopacz, Director of Distribution. “We’re asking drivers to do their part by staying alert, putting away their phones, and showing patience and caution around roadside work areas.”

Work may be taking place during both daytime and evening hours, and while every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, temporary lane closures or reduced speeds may be necessary in certain areas.

Michigan’s Move Over law requires motorists to slow down and move over for stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Slow down when approaching work zones
Move over when you see utility or emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside
Avoid distractions like texting, calling, or eating while driving
Watch for signage and follow flagger instructions when present

Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone this summer.

For more information, please visit SAFETY TIPS

Always Call Before You Dig

mariepeasley May 31, 2023

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? Here’s what you need to know first: Dial 8-1-1!

Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs.

Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free, and helps prevent undesired consequences. Dial 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig.
In a few days, they’ll send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and cables, so you’ll know what’s below – and be able to dig safely. The BLP marks our underground lines within the utility right-of-way.
Remember, always call 811 before you start any digging project! You’ll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment – and a very inconvenient day in the dark.

MBLP Lineman demonstrate safety to Cherry Creek Elementary

mariepeasley May 31, 2023

The Marquette Board of Light and Power Linemen, Jon Betz and Travis Niemi gave a “Safety First Presentation” to approximately 55 fourth graders at Cherry Creek School. Students were very excited and asked lots of questions. Teacher, Shirley Menhennick shared that this is a wonderful program on electricity and safety. The students were all able to learn a great deal about electricity in their lives. The equipment and models used in the presentation captured the students’ interest and were a visual of the effects of electricity. The students learned how to be safe and even learned about career awareness and what training is required to become a lineman. Overall, it was a great learning experience!