CHEBOYGAN COUNTY — The Michigan Department of Transportation will invest $2.2 million to replace the US-23 culvert over Smith’s Creek in Cheboygan County with a new box culvert tied into the existing channel lining to help ensure the free flow of Smith’s Creek.
The project is set to begin Monday, April 6, 2026, and is expected to be completed by Friday, July 31, 2026. Work will include building a temporary bypass channel for the creek while the new culvert is installed. MDOT said that “may at times result in significant construction noise during work.”
The project will require closing US-23 at Smith’s Creek near Cheboygan. 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.
Based on economic modeling, the investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 19 jobs. MDOT said the project will restore the structural integrity of the culvert and US-23 above it.
