As part of an $8.5 million enhancement project at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, in early March crews will begin installing a new traffic signal at the relocated U.S. 31 campground entrance.
During the traffic light installation, motorists on U.S. 31 should anticipate intermittent single-lane closures. Additionally, pedestrians should expect temporary sidewalk restrictions.
The project is anticipated to take two weeks. Digital message boards will be posted one week before construction starts.
Once installed, the traffic signal will operate in flashing mode for up to one month before becoming fully active in late April. The pedestrian crosswalk will remain closed until the signal is fully operational.
The traffic light installation is part of a larger project that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began in February 2025. The planned project is designed to modernize the park's facilities, enhance visitor access and traffic flow and improve accessibility, including a redesigned park entrance, a new at-grade pedestrian crossing, a new campground contact station, a relocated park headquarters building and an expanded sanitation station. All components of the project are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.
Project funds were made available as part of a $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding that has enabled the DNR to modernize state park infrastructure.
Additional construction
The Michigan Department of Transportation is launching a $1.6 million project this spring. The day-use beach entrance will be moved east to align with the existing traffic signal at the Three Mile Road-U.S. 31 intersection, which will also be updated. Intermittent closures to the day-use area should be expected.
New utility connections will also be installed this spring as part of the DNR's campground enhancements project. Motorists should expect occasional lane closures.
Closures and project information
The park's modern campground closed in July 2025 and will remain closed through the 2026 season. The campground will reopen April 1, 2027. The Lake Michigan beach day-use area is expected to remain open; however, visitors should anticipate occasional closures for intersection work.
A link to the project page, including project details and a construction timeline, is available at Michigan.gov/TraverseCity.
For more details on the project, contact Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor, at 231-922-5270 or RosinskiS@Michigan.gov.