LANSING, Mich. — Sen. John Damoose and Rep. Parker Fairbairn on Tuesday joined Michigan Department of Transportation officials in inspecting roads in Antrim and Emmet counties that were damaged during recent severe storms and flooding. The lawmakers also provided an update for area residents as well as travelers who may be heading north for the Fourth of July.
“Rep. Fairbairn and I have been in touch with folks from all levels of this response, and we’re working to get the most recent information out to people who may be traveling through these areas,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “While the Emmet County Road Commission is working diligently to assess damage and restore safe travel as quickly as possible, some of the cleanup efforts will likely require a larger-scale effort.”
Both lawmakers were on-site Tuesday morning working to facilitate needed assistance and help ensure residents were receiving the most up-to-date information.
“Our main focus is our districts and ensuring residents and visitors have current information on closures and alternative routes,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “We’re also communicating with state, county and local officials to facilitate response efforts.”
Reports of damage and road closures throughout the region are being assessed, with the most notable damage occurring on M-119 through the popular tourist destination, the Tunnel of Trees — which already saw extensive damage as a result of storms earlier this year.
“The Tunnel of Trees is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country, and it’s disappointing to see additional damage that will further delay efforts to reopen this one-of-a-kind experience,” Damoose said. “This is also going to affect locals who live in and drive through these areas. People are going to need to find alternative routes for their everyday travel.”
Additional road closures at this time are as follows:
- M-66 south of East Jordan in Antrim County: Closed due to a culvert failure.
- M-88 east of Eastport in Antrim County: Closed due to water over the roadway.
- M-88 near Farrell Road in Antrim County: Closed due to a washout.
- M-88 near Ellsworth Road in Antrim County: Closed due to a washout.
- M-119 south of Good Hart in Emmet County: Closed due to water over the roadway.
The latest information can be found by clicking here or on MDOT’s Facebook page. A live map of road closures also can be found on the MiDrive website.
Damoose and Fairbairn both noted that Northern Michigan is still open, but alternative routes may be needed for both local residents and families traveling up north for the holiday weekend.
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Editor’s note: The above photograph is available by clicking on the image or by visiting SenatorJohnDamoose.com/photos/.
Photo caption: State Sen. John Damoose and Rep. Parker Fairbairn, both of Harbor Springs, survey the damage after severe storms and flooding caused washouts and other road damage across Northern Michigan.
