The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 1 that the rebuilding of a 7.8-mile section of US-31 from Sullivan Road in Green Lake Township to Reynolds Road in Inland Township could begin as early as Tuesday, April 7, depending on weather and seasonal weight restrictions.
The planned construction is important for drivers and residents in Grand Traverse and Benzie counties, as it aims to improve road safety and traffic flow along a key route near Interlochen. The $32.5 million investment will rebuild and widen the highway, add center left-turn lanes, wider paved shoulders, rumble strips, and construct a roundabout at the South Long Lake Road/J. Maddy Parkway intersection.
Traffic will be affected throughout the project’s phases. From April to June, northbound US-31 traffic will be detoured while southbound remains open; access changes will affect J. Maddy Parkway and South Long Lake Road with temporary closures or limited access. In June through July, work shifts to the south side of US-31 with similar detours continuing for northbound vehicles. From July through November, reconstruction extends westward past the new roundabout toward Reynolds Road with new detour routes established for northbound traffic.
According to economic modeling by MDOT, this project is expected to directly and indirectly support about 275 jobs during its duration.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with bridges, trails, railroads and airports according to its official website. The department has more than 2,800 employees working across seven regions statewide according to its official website. Its mission focuses on serving people and communities through transportation efforts according to its official website.
MDOT’s leadership includes a director along with chief administrative officers overseeing various programs according to its official website. The agency maintains all state highway systems including M-, I-, and US-routes while managing bridges, public transit services, aviation programs and safety standards according to its official website.
