The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is currently seeking public feedback regarding a proposed temporary closure of a popular nonmotorized trail in Crawford County, as reported by our sources. This closure is a part of an extensive bridge replacement project on I-75 that's slated to stretch across two years, 2028 and 2029. Residents, businesses, community figures, and other interested parties are encouraged to voice any potential concerns or opinions they may have on the topic until Feb. 25, 2026.
Construction work, including the replacement of bridge decks over Lake State Railroad and the complete replacement of bridges over M-72, is designed to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the traveling public. Offering no viable alternatives for nonmotorized traffic, the trail under the northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 will face temporary closure during the construction phases. However, motorized road traffic will be detoured to the opposite side of I-75, relying on crossovers that will be built in advance of bridge work.
MDOT has allocated an estimated $18 million to this infrastructural improvement initiative, as indicated on the official website. Input from the community is highly valued and can be submitted online, by calling, or by sending their comments to Matt Radulski at the MDOT Gaylord Transportation Service Center. The contact details, deadlines, and additional information on how to participate in the public commentary process are thoroughly outlined on the website.
Any individual in need of assistance for effective participation, including those with mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other specific needs, is requested to reach out to Orlando Curry for adequate arrangements. Although requests for assistance should ideally be submitted within a stated timeframe, MDOT will evaluate and strive to honor requests to the extent possible afterward. The planned trail closure underlines MDOT's commitment to public safety, despite the inconvenience of temporarily halting pedestrian and biking access.
