A series of highway closures have disrupted morning traffic across Michigan, with downed power lines causing safety concerns in at least five counties.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the closures began early Friday and affect both sides of M-29 in St. Clair County, M-15 in Bay County, M-89 in Barry County, M-43 in Ingham County, and substantial portions of I-496 in Ingham County. All affected highways are closed in both directions, and crews are working to assess and remove dangers.
MDOT reported that the initial accidents occurred around 1:30 a.m. on eastbound and westbound I-496 near Exits 7 and 77 in Ingham County. By 6:35 a.m., crews lifted these barricades, causing major detours for early commuters. Meanwhile, as of 2:32 a.m., westbound M-43 at Fairview Avenue in Ingham County remains closed due to low-hanging or fallen lines diverting traffic.
In Bay County, both northbound and southbound lanes of M-15 between Brown and Webber roads were closed by 5:32 a.m. due to downed lines posing continuous risks. Shortly after, someone reported a similar issue on M-29 in St. Clair County, near Davis and Neuman. MDOT stated that all lanes in both directions were shut as of 5:48 a.m.
Barry County recorded the final active closure on M-89 between Doster and Kane roads at approximately 4:26 a.m.
Drivers are encouraged to explore alternate routes and use MDOT’s MiDrive traffic map to get real-time updates.
