MDOT updates I-75/M-32 diverging diamond interchange project page, project schedule

GAYLORD, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has updated the website for its I-75/M-32 diverging diamond interchange (DDI) project, including new information about the construction schedule, detours and videos showing drivers how to navigate the new interchange when completed.

Beginning this fall, MDOT will begin a $54 million project to replace the northbound and southbound I-75 bridges over M-32 in Gaylord and rebuild M-32 between Edelweiss Village Parkway/Meecher Road and Wisconsin Avenue. These bridges were built in 1961, are currently in poor condition and need to be replaced.

As part of the project, this interchange will be reconfigured as a DDI, an alternative interchange that improves safety and increases traffic flow. They have been successfully implemented at several locations throughout Michigan in recent years, as well as across the nation, helping reduce crashes and congestion.

Work is expected to begin this fall after Labor Day, with construction of temporary traffic crossovers on I-75 north and south of the interchange, resurfacing M-32 from Murner Road to Meecher Road, tree clearing and detour route improvements. In 2027, work will focus on replacing the northbound I-75 bridge and pavement, and rebuilding M-32 east of West Street. In 2028, work will focus on replacing the southbound I-75 bridge and pavement, and rebuilding M-32 through the interchange and to the west. Landscape planting is expected to occur in 2029.

MDOT plans to maintain at least one lane in each direction on M-32 at most times (except during bridge demolition, bridge beam installation or while municipal utility replacement work is occurring).

When M-32 is closed (during periods expected to last several days during demolition and beam placement), traffic will be detoured on South Townline Road, Milbocker Road/McCoy Road and the I-75 Business Loop. This detour route will also be signed as a suggested alternate route for through-traffic during construction.

MDOT and its consultants have also developed a series of videos showing how drivers and pedestrians will navigate the new interchange, demonstrating the most frequent traffic movements:

• Northbound I-75 to Dickerson Road
• Westbound M-32 to Dickerson Road
• Eastbound M-32 to Downtown Gaylord
• Eastbound M-32 to Northbound I-75
• Pedestrian Path

MDOT will have an open house meeting in Gaylord in August, closer to the start of construction, to present final plans and information about traffic and detours.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 457 jobs.