Traverse City, MI — Motorists and residents across Traverse City and neighboring communities should prepare for a busy construction season in 2026 as major road improvement projects continue to reshape travel corridors and local streets.
Major US-31 Reconstruction Project Near Interlochen
One of the most significant ongoing efforts is the rebuilding of a 7.8-mile section of US-31, stretching from Sullivan Road in Green Lake Township (Grand Traverse County) to Reynolds Road in Inland Township (Benzie County). Managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), this roughly $32.5 million project aims to improve pavement conditions, widen the roadway, add safety features such as center left-turn lanes, widened shoulders, and rumble strips, and construct a new roundabout at the South Long Lake Road/J. Maddy Parkway intersection.
Work on this corridor began in 2025 with soil removal and detour setup, and the bulk of the US-31 reconstruction is scheduled for spring through fall of 2026, requiring detours on both local and highway traffic.
Local Street and Infrastructure Work in Traverse City
In addition to the US-31 project, the City of Traverse City’s 2025–26 pavement preservation and reconstruction plan continues into 2026. This includes thorough street resurfacing, utility upgrades, and enhancements to sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure. Projects planned or underway touch many local roads as part of routine maintenance and long-term asset management.
City planners are also laying the groundwork for more complete and multimodal streets under a new Complete Streets policy adopted late in 2025. This policy — championed by local officials — seeks to ensure that future street design accommodates not just cars, but pedestrians, cyclists, and people with mobility devices. Interviews for a Complete Streets Advisory Committee are set to begin in early 2026.
Traffic Impacts & Detours
Travelers should expect prolonged detours and changing traffic patterns, especially around major construction zones. The US-31 detour near Interlochen that began in 2025 will carry into next year, with northbound and southbound routes periodically rerouted onto local roadways throughout the reconstruction phases.
Closures, lane reductions, and one-way traffic controls may also occur on local streets as the City carries out its pavement and infrastructure projects. Motorists are advised to plan extra travel time, follow posted signage, and monitor updates from MDOT and the City’s engineering departments.
Community Engagement and Future Planning
MDOT and local agencies have encouraged public input through open houses and meetings about these large-scale projects, emphasizing safety improvements and coordination with community needs. Future updates and detailed schedules for 2026 construction phases will be shared as contractors are finalized and seasonal conditions allow
