Planning a road trip through Michigan’s beautiful landscapes should be exciting, not frustrating! As someone who’s hit every pothole from Detroit to Marquette, I’ve learned that unexpected road closures can turn a pleasant journey into a GPS-recalculating nightmare. Whether you’re heading to the Great Lakes, visiting family up north, or just commuting for work, these current road closures across our mitten-shaped state might force you to rethink your route.
1. I-75 Bridge Reconstruction Near Detroit
Ever tried navigating Detroit during rush hour? Now imagine doing it with the major artery partially blocked! The ongoing reconstruction of the I-75 bridge has created a traffic situation that would make even the most patient Michigander consider moving to Ohio (and that’s saying something).
Southbound lanes are reduced to just two, causing backups that can add 45 minutes to your drive. The construction crews work around the clock, their yellow vests becoming as common a sight as Lions fans looking disappointed.
My advice? If you’re heading downtown, take Woodward Avenue instead or hop on I-94 as an alternative. This construction project is scheduled to continue through October, so adjust your travel plans accordingly or pack extra snacks for the inevitable wait.
2. US-31 Washout Near Petoskey
Mother Nature decided to take a bite out of US-31 last month when heavy rains washed away a significant portion of the highway just south of Petoskey. The resulting crater looks like something from a disaster movie – I nearly spilled my coffee when I first saw it!
Local traffic is being diverted through residential areas, adding about 25 minutes to the journey between Charlevoix and Petoskey. Trucks and RVs have it worse, as the narrow detour routes weren’t designed for larger vehicles.
Though MDOT crews are working frantically to repair the damage, geological concerns about the stability of the hillside are complicating matters. The current estimate suggests repairs won’t be completed until after Labor Day, potentially disrupting late summer tourism in one of Northern Michigan’s most popular destinations.
3. M-14 Ann Arbor Construction Chaos
Anyone connected to the University of Michigan or living in Ann Arbor knows that M-14 is currently a maze of orange barrels, temporary lane shifts, and frazzled commuters. The complete resurfacing project between US-23 and I-94 has turned a simple 15-minute drive into what feels like an eternal journey through construction purgatory.
Where there were once three lanes, we now squeeze into just one at several points. The worst section is near the Main Street exit, where I’ve witnessed some impressively creative merging techniques that would make a driving instructor faint.
For those needing to reach the university or downtown Ann Arbor, consider taking Huron River Drive as a scenic alternative. Though the speed limit is lower, you’ll avoid the stop-and-go traffic and might actually arrive at your destination with your sanity intact.
4. Grand River Avenue Bridge Collapse in Lansing
When part of the Grand River Avenue bridge collapsed last week after being struck by an oversized load, it sent shockwaves through Lansing’s already complicated traffic patterns. The incident happened right in the
heart of the capital city, blocking one of the main east-west corridors used by thousands of state employees and students daily.
Emergency crews have set up a complex detour system using Michigan Avenue and Kalamazoo Street, but navigation apps haven’t fully caught up with the sudden change. I watched three different drivers make illegal U-turns yesterday when their phones insisted they drive through the now-blocked section.
City officials estimate repairs will take at least three months, potentially longer if structural assessments reveal additional damage. If you’re heading to the Capitol, MSU, or just passing through Lansing, add an extra 30 minutes to your trip and check the city’s website for updated detour information.
5. Mackinac Bridge Lane Closures Due to Maintenance
Nothing says “Pure Michigan” quite like crossing that magnificent five-mile suspension bridge connecting our two peninsulas. Unfortunately, half the thrill is currently missing as the Mackinac Bridge is down to just one lane in each direction for essential maintenance work.
While crossing, you’ll notice workers suspended from cables like acrobats, repainting and repairing the iconic green structure. The lane closures have doubled crossing times during peak tourist season, creating lines of cars that stretch back into St. Ignace or Mackinaw City.
If possible, plan your crossing for early morning or late evening when traffic lightens. The bridge authority offers text alerts about wait times – a service I’ve found incredibly useful after once spending two hours waiting to cross when I could have been enjoying pasties instead!
6. US-131 Kalamazoo River Flooding Detour
Heavy spring rains have caused the Kalamazoo River to spill over its banks, submerging portions of US-131 south of Kalamazoo. Standing water reached depths of three feet in some sections, forcing a complete closure between the Schoolcraft and Portage exits.
Having attempted to navigate the area last weekend, I can tell you the detour situation is nothing short of chaotic. Rural county roads not designed for highway-level traffic are now packed with frustrated drivers following confusing temporary signage.
The most reliable alternative route is to take I-94 east to Portage Road, then head south – it adds about 12 miles but avoids the worst congestion. MDOT predicts the highway will remain closed for at least another week as they assess damage to the road surface and underlying structure once waters recede. Check their Twitter account for real-time updates before heading that way.
7. Downtown Grand Rapids Bridge Street Reconstruction
If you’re planning to explore Grand Rapids’ vibrant downtown scene, brace yourself for the complete reconstruction of Bridge Street. The historic thoroughfare is currently torn up from end to end, with crews replacing century-old water mains, repaving, and widening sidewalks for better pedestrian access.
Though the project will ultimately enhance one of Michigan’s coolest urban areas, right now it’s a nightmare of jackhammers, dust, and confused tourists. Several popular restaurants have created makeshift entrances through back alleys – I followed chalk arrows through what looked like a service corridor just to get my favorite burger yesterday!
Parking is nearly impossible, so I recommend using the city’s downtown garages and walking or taking the free DASH shuttle. Business owners assure me they’re still open despite appearances, with many offering “construction specials” to entice brave customers willing to navigate the obstacle course to reach them.
8. I-94 Chelsea-to-Jackson Express Lane Project
The ambitious project to add express lanes to I-94 between Chelsea and Jackson has transformed 40 miles of interstate into a confusing labyrinth of shifting lanes, temporary barriers, and reduced speed limits. Having driven this stretch weekly for months, I’ve witnessed the evolution from minor inconvenience to major headache.
Currently, the worst section is near the Grass Lake exit, where lanes narrow dramatically and the road surface resembles a washboard. Trucks struggle to stay in their lanes, creating white-knuckle moments for smaller vehicles trying to navigate alongside them.
Morning commuters should budget an additional 40 minutes during peak times, while weekend travelers might fare better with lighter traffic. Though the finished project promises smoother travel between Ann Arbor and Jackson, we’re still at least 18 months from completion. My survival strategy includes audiobooks, patience, and avoiding the construction altogether by taking US-12 when time permits.
9. Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Customs Delays
While not technically a road closure, the severe staffing shortages at customs checkpoints on the International Bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and its Canadian counterpart have effectively created a standstill situation. Wait times have ballooned to over three hours during peak periods, essentially turning the bridge into a parking lot.
Last weekend, I watched frustrated travelers turning off engines to save gas while inching forward at glacial speed. The situation is particularly challenging for commercial trucks, with some drivers reporting complete 8-hour shifts spent just waiting to cross.
If your travel plans include crossing to Canada, check the bridge authority’s website for current wait times and consider crossing very early (before 6am) or late evening when delays are shortest. Better yet, if your schedule allows flexibility, postpone border crossings until after Labor Day when seasonal tourism decreases. The bridge itself remains structurally sound – it’s just the human infrastructure that’s currently broken!
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