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Smith’s Creek culvert replacement in Cheboygan starts April 6
March 30, 2026
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.
Media Contact: