The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking public input regarding a proposed temporary closure of a nonmotorized trail in Grayling, Crawford County. The closure would be part of an upcoming project to replace the decks of the I-75 bridges over Lake State Railroad and to replace the I-75 bridges over M-72. Construction is scheduled for 2028 and 2029, with the trail expected to be closed for about two months each year during this period.
MDOT is gathering feedback to identify and address concerns related to the potential impacts of the temporary trail closure, as required under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Public comments will be accepted from January 26 through February 25, 2026.
Community members, city representatives, local businesses, interested residents, MDOT staff, and contractors are invited to participate. Comments can be submitted online via a comment form or by calling 989-731-5090. Written input may also be sent directly to Matt Radulski at the MDOT Gaylord Transportation Service Center.
For those needing assistance with participation due to mobility, visual, hearing, written or other needs, Orlando Curry can be contacted at 517-241-7462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov. Forms for accessibility requests are available on MDOT’s Title VI webpage.
The planned project represents an investment of approximately $18 million for bridge work on I-75 over both Lake State Railroad and M-72 in Grayling. According to MDOT, “There is no feasible detour for nonmotorized traffic on the trail under northbound and southbound I-75.” For motorized traffic during construction in 2028 and 2029, vehicles will be shifted onto opposing lanes using crossovers built before the bridges.
As explained by MDOT: “Motorized traffic will be detoured onto the opposing side of I-75 during work on the two bridges in 2028 and 2029. Therefore, the trail will need to be closed for approximately two months in 2028 and 2029 each year while the bridge and other work is completed on I-75 over Lake State Railroad.”
The department states that all efforts will be made to recognize community concerns related to this temporary impact.
