Marina Impacts - MDOT Project

Clinch Marina Open Early: April 1, 2025

The City of Traverse City will open Clinch Marina on April 1, 2025, to accommodate our customers who have a slip to ensure access in light of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) 2025 Project. This project, which begins March 21, 2025, will impact traffic flow between Division and Cherry Bend Road, restricting the transport of large vessels and affecting access to Elmwood Marina.

To assist boaters in need of a deep-water launch, Elmwood Marina will also open early for the season. Notably, width restrictions will become more significant after May 1, 2025.

Special Considerations for Boat Launching

Boats that are in need of a deep-water launch at Elmwood Marina will be affected by the project, and restrictions will be in place. MDOT is working with local boat haulers to facilitate the seasonal launch.

Contact your commercial hauler to schedule your launch as early as possible.

While construction will not directly impact Clinch Marina, the launch is not considered a deep-water launch, but rather a hard-surface ramp with sufficient water depth and lake or impoundment size to accommodate all “trailerable watercraft” (minimum of 2.5 - 3 feet deep at a distance of 20 feet from shore).

Key Dates & Restrictions

  • MDOT project begins March 21, 2025.
  • Seasonal weight restrictions began on March 10, 2025. Single-trip permits will not be issued for oversize loads exceeding 14 feet in width.
  • Boats with a beam greater than 8.5 feet and needing a deep-water launch facility are encouraged to launch before May 1, 2025 to avoid access issues to Elmwood Marina.
  • Southbound M22 (Cherry Bend to Elmwood Marina)
    • Width restriction of 11 feet in place from March 21, 2025 to approximately May 1, 2025.
    • Wide loads can be accommodated on SB M-22 (Cherry Bend to Elmwood Marina) with advance notice and coordination.
    • Loads wider than 11 feet require a MDOT waiver and coordination with construction crews to pass through the construction zone.
  • Northbound M22 (Carter to Elmwood Marina)
    • Width restriction of a 10 foot lane plus the existing shoulder available until approximately May 1, 2025.
  • After May 1, 2025 (tentative date and could be earlier)
    • Lane restrictions will be 10 feet wide and MDOT waivers will be required for loads wider than 8.5 feet.
    • Lanes will be constrained by live traffic, utilities, barrier walls, and sheet piling.
  • Alternative Route (Beam over 8.5 feet after May 1, 2025): Cherry Bend/Sunset/Grandview may be an option, but oversize loads will require a permit from Leelanau County.
    • Overhead lines are currently 15 feet high on Sunset Drive, with a request to raise them to 18 feet.
    • Avoid using this route before May 1 to minimize disruption to Sunset Drive residents.
  • Elmwood Marina Access
    • Right-in, right-out access only.
    • Southbound trailers should use Grandview → Brewery Creek → SB M-22 for egress.
    • Team Elmer’s crane is tentatively scheduled to begin launching boats at the north wall on March 26, 2025.
      • Contact Team Elmer’s directly to arrange crane launches

Permit & Waiver Requests

For permit or waiver inquiries, please contact MDOT directly. Advance notice is required as processing takes time at both local and statewide levels.

Important Information: Clinch Marina

  • Early Opening Date: April 1, 2025
  • Limited Staff & Hours: April 1 – May 15, 2025
    • Staff will be on-site intermittently
  • Amenities: No amenities such as access to power, water lines, Dock House or the Harbormaster Building will be provided between April 1, 2025 and May 15, 2025.
  • Boaters who choose to store their boats at Clinch Marina prior to the official opening date of May 15, 2025 do so at their own risk. The City of Traverse City expressly disclaims any responsibility for watercraft stored at the Marina prior to May 15, 2025 while the Marina is not fully staffed and monitored. The Duncan L. Clinch Marina Rules and Regulations shall be in full force and effect at all times. Boaters who wish to utilize the Marina in the summer of 2025 are responsible for making any necessary arrangements to ensure access in light of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) 2025 Project. If they fail to do so and cannot access the Marina as a result, no refunds will be given.
  • Michigan DNR reservation system will not be open early.

Attention Transient Boaters: Plan Ahead for Summer Visits

If you’re planning to visit Clinch Marina or Elmwood Marina this summer, be aware that the MDOT 2025 Project may impact access routes, particularly for large vessels. While Clinch Marina will be open as usual, the early season (April 1 – May 15) will have limited staff and no amenities, and accommodate seasonal permit holders only.

Key considerations for transient boaters:

  • No early reservations: The Michigan DNR reservation system will not open before the usual date.
  • Road Restrictions: Oversized vessels (beam over 8.5 feet) should launch before May 1, 2025, to avoid access challenges to Elmwood Marina.
  • Alternative Routes: After May 1 (tentative date and could be earlier), wide loads may require special permits and coordination to navigate restricted roads.

Plan ahead, check for updates, and reach out to local authorities for guidance before arriving. Safe travels on the water!

Contact Information

City of Traverse City

Chris Olsen
Department of Public Services
(231) 922-4900
colsen@traversecitymi.gov

MDOT

Melzar Coulter
(231) 941-1986
CoulterM1@michigan.gov

Elmwood Marina

Dan Jenuwine
harbormaster@elmwoodmi.gov

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

 

City of Traverse City
Department of Public Services