M-119 reopens near Stutsmanville after repairs, two corridor closures remain

GAYLORD, Mich. - Following completion of a $300,000 project to stabilize the slope beneath a section of M-119 near West Stutsmanville Road damaged in spring flooding, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has reopened M-119 between West Stutsmanville Road and Terpening Road.

Contractors installed a new retaining wall along two segments of M-119 damaged in April flooding, as well as new guardrail. Final restoration work in the area will be completed with single-lane closures and traffic regulators.

Two other portions of M-119 remain closed to through-traffic:

• Near Division Road due to a culvert failure and washout in April. Traffic is detoured on Island View Road and North State Road. The road is expected to remain closed until summer 2027.
• At Devil's Elbow due to washouts in late June. Traffic is detoured on West Stutsmanville Road, Townline Road, Church Road and Robinson Road. No firm timeline for repairs to that section is known at this time.

The segments of M-119 closed to through-traffic remain open to local traffic. Access to residences and businesses in the closed portions will be maintained.

The July 1 edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations about the storm damage and impacts with State Sen. John Damoose (Harbor Springs), who represents the area, and MDOT North Region Engineer Bill Wahl.

A video news release documented the extent of the damage.

The public is encouraged to check Michigan.gov/Drive for updated state road closures (I, M and US routes) and detour information. Drive with caution in these areas. Please respect all barricades and road closure notices.