The Antrim County Road Commission is preparing the community for a significant change this summer as work begins on the much-needed improvement of M-88 at Coulter Creek.

This M-88 closure will impact motorists in and around Grand Traverse, especially those who rely on the stretch northwest of Central Lake for their daily commute.

According to recent reports, culverts beneath M-88 were damaged in a flash flood last June, prompting urgent temporary repairs by county crews.

Now, the planned construction will see the existing 36-inch culverts replaced with more robust 72-inch versions, a move the Antrim County Road Commission says will greatly reduce the risk of future washouts and safeguard both public safety and local infrastructure.

The project, coordinated with the state’s highway department, is set to close M-88 at Coulter Creek for approximately two weeks in late August 2026.

Through-traffic will be rerouted using Ellsworth Road, Atwood Road, and nearby US-31, though local access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.

Many in the region recall the disruption caused by last summer’s flooding, and there’s a sense of relief that more permanent fixes are finally on the horizon.

For local homeowners and business owners along M-88, the temporary inconvenience brings the promise of greater long-term stability and smoother travel ahead.

This closure coincides with several new businesses opening in Central Lake, adding to traffic concerns but also sparking hope that upgraded infrastructure will support ongoing development in the area.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed as date adjustments or new detours may still emerge as the project unfolds.

While some frustration is inevitable, most in Grand Traverse recognize the necessity of these improvements and believe the summer’s brief disruptions will yield a stronger and safer M-88 Antrim County corridor for years to come.