$5.1 million I-75 resurfacing project continues north of Gaylord through Aug. 21
Scheduled resurfacing on I-75 north of Gaylord is continuing through Aug. 21, with drivers facing single-lane closures and traffic shifts between Exit 282 near Gaylord and Exit 290 at Vanderbilt.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing $5.1 million to resurface just under 10 miles of I-75 in both directions in Otsego County. One lane is to remain open in each direction while the work is underway.
The restrictions affect residents, commuters, freight operators and visitors traveling through Gaylord and Otsego County. Drivers should allow for possible travel delays, particularly while traffic shifts are in place. The project’s southern limit is the I-75 Business Loop/South Otsego Avenue at Exit 279 in Gaylord.
Two construction segments
MDOT announced the project May 6, 2026, and divided the work into two scheduled segments.
The first segment ran from Exit 279 to Exit 282 south of Gaylord. MDOT scheduled that portion for May 13 through June 2.
The northern segment runs from Exit 282 north of Gaylord to Exit 290 at Vanderbilt. That portion was scheduled for July 7 through Aug. 21 and is the section covered by the current traffic restrictions.
The project plan calls for single-lane closures and traffic shifts rather than a full closure of I-75. The approved information does not establish whether the work is on schedule as of Aug. 6, whether any portion has been completed, or whether additional local detours have been imposed.
Road improvements and estimated jobs
Beyond resurfacing, the project includes new rumble strips and pavement markings. MDOT says the improvements are intended to extend the highway section’s service life and improve safety.
MDOT’s economic modeling estimated that the investment would directly and indirectly support 43 jobs. That is an estimate of supported employment, not a count of permanent local jobs.
A separate state legislative spending record dated Feb. 24, 2026, lists $641,000 for the City of Gaylord at 305 E. Main Street. The available record does not identify the purpose of that spending item or establish its current implementation status, so it cannot be tied to the I-75 resurfacing project.
Next stated deadline
MDOT’s May 6 announcement remains the latest construction information in the approved record as of Aug. 6. The next stated project deadline is Aug. 21, when the northern segment is scheduled to end.
No later MDOT update in the approved information confirms whether the project will finish by that date. Drivers using I-75 through Gaylord, Vanderbilt and the surrounding Otsego County corridor should continue to expect the planned lane restrictions and traffic shifts while the scheduled work remains active.
Sources
- I-75 resurfacing in Otsego County starts May 13, Michigan Department of Transportation
- Agendas & Minutes, City of Gaylord
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