Smith’s Creek culvert replacement in Cheboygan starts April 6

GAYLORD, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $2.2 million to replace the US-23 culvert over Smith's Creek with a new box culvert that will tie into the existing channel lining, ensuring free flow of Smith's Creek.

Work will include building a temporary bypass channel for the creek while the new culvert is installed, which may at times result in significant construction noise during work.

County:
Cheboygan

Highway:
US-23

Closest community:
Cheboygan

Start date:
Monday, April 6, 2026

Estimated end date:
Friday, July 31, 2026

Traffic restrictions:
This project will require closing US-23 at Smith's Creek. Vehicle traffic will be detoured via State Street and North Western Avenue. Pedestrians will be detoured via Todd Street, West First Street and Littlefield Street.

Jobs numbers:
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 19 jobs.

Safety benefit:
This project will restore the structural integrity of the culvert and US-23 above it.