Current Roadway Closures

Historic Weather Events Cause Closures Along M-119

Portions of the Tunnel of Trees along M-119 remain indefinitely closed to all through traffic including pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, following a combination of unique weather events earlier this year. For their safety, the safety of road crews and area residents, and to prevent further damage to the road, state and county officials are urging everyone to strictly adhere to the road closed signs and follow the posted detours which provide access to local residences and businesses.

The first of six major washouts and slope failures occurred on April 10, south of Stutsmanville Road as a result of spring flooding and snowmelt.  Just three days later, heavy rains, combined with continuing snow melt, resulted in historic flooding causing an additional section of the roadway to collapse between Good Hart and Cross Village. On June 29, a severe storm dumped up to seven inches of rain in the area in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage ditches and culverts and causing streams and smaller tributaries to rise quickly, triggering four additional washouts along the scenic route.

Since April, state and county officials have been evaluating the damage to the scenic roadway. Repair plans are complicated by the highway’s unique typography and the extent of the damage, which the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) states was beyond anything typically seen in northern Michigan. The massive washouts, extending hundreds of feet, are expected to require lengthy and expensive repairs, involving unique engineering and techniques which will likely include contracting with out-of -state experts.  

In early September, MDOT announced the reopening of M-119 between West Stutsmanville Road and Terpening Road following completion of a $300,000 project to stabilize the slope beneath a section of M-119 damaged in the Spring. Final restoration work in the area will be completed using single-lane closures and traffic regulators.

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

• Near Division Road, traffic is detoured on Island View Road and North State Road. The road is expected to remain closed until at least late 2027.

• At Devil’s Elbow, traffic is detoured on West Stutsmanville Road, Townline Road, Church Road and Robinson Road. No timeline for repairs to this section has been announced.

The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee is committed to preserving and enhancing the scenic, natural, and cultural integrity of the M-119 corridor.

M-119 south of Division Road on April 13, 2026. Photo was taken by the Michigan Department of Transportation.