Major MDOT Road Project Near Interlochen Forces Detours Through West Michigan Travel Corridor

$32.5 Million US-31 Rebuild Brings Lane Closures and Detours to Northern Michigan Highway

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation has moved up the start date of a major road construction project on US-31 near Interlochen, bringing significant detours and traffic disruptions to travelers throughout West Michigan.

The $32.5 million project to rebuild 7.8 miles of US-31 between Green Lake Township in Grand Traverse County and Inland Township in Benzie County could begin as early as Tuesday, April 7, MDOT officials said. The construction was originally scheduled for April 13, but officials hope to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.

The project includes rebuilding and widening the highway to add center left-turn lanes, widened paved shoulders, and rumble strips. Crews will also construct a new roundabout at the South Long Lake Road and J. Maddy Parkway intersection.

What Travelers Need to Know

The construction will create significant detours that will affect northbound and southbound traffic differently depending on the phase of construction.

From April to June, the north side of US-31 will be rebuilt. During this phase, southbound traffic will continue to use the highway normally, while northbound traffic will be forced to detour on multiple local roads including Gonder Road, Riley Road, J. Maddy Parkway, Youker Road, and County Road 633.

J. Maddy Parkway access will be closed for up to two weeks at the start of work while crews build temporary lanes around the new roundabout. Access to South Long Lake Road will also be closed during this phase, with traffic detouring on West Silver Lake Road and Secor Road.

From June to July, construction will move to the south side of US-31. During this phase, northbound traffic will continue using the established detour, while J. Maddy Parkway access will remain closed for most of this phase. South Long Lake Road will only be open to southbound US-31 traffic.

The final phase from July to November will involve rebuilding the highway from the new roundabout to Reynolds Road. During this period, northbound traffic will detour on Reynolds Road, Cinder Road, Diamond Park Road, Gonder Road, Riley Road, and J. Maddy Parkway.

Economic Impact

The project is expected to directly and indirectly support 275 jobs throughout the construction period. MDOT officials say the safety improvements, including the new roundabout and additional turn lanes, will benefit all highway users in the area.

The early start of the project is dependent on seasonal weight restrictions being lifted on Grand Traverse County roads, which allows heavy construction equipment access to the site.

Detour Information

Traffic restrictions and detours are expected to continue through November 13. Detour route maps are available on the MDOT project website for travelers planning their routes around the construction zones.

This project represents one of several major road construction initiatives happening across Michigan this year. The MDOT investment aims to improve safety and capacity on one of the state's busiest rural highways, which serves as a critical travel corridor connecting Grand Traverse County with Benzie County and beyond.

For drivers concerned about potential delays, MDOT recommends planning alternative routes or adjusting travel times during the construction phases. The department also maintains a 24-hour hotline for reporting road conditions and construction updates.

Broader Construction Context

The US-31 project is part of a larger push to upgrade Michigan's rural highway infrastructure. Similar construction projects are underway across the state, from the $7 million US-31 bridge improvements in Muskegon County to major road reconstruction efforts in Grand Rapids.

These investments reflect MDOT's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the state's transportation network, even as state agencies navigate budget constraints and competing priorities.