Just as crews began repairing sections of M-119, also known as The Tunnel of Trees, damaged by April flooding, heavy rains wreaked havoc on more sections of the popular tourist route in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula.

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with State Sen. John Damoose (Harbor Springs), who represents the area, and Bill Wahl, acting North Region engineer for the Michigan Department of Transportation. (MDOT).

MDOT is already investing $300,000 to stabilize the slope beneath a section of M-119 near West Stutsmanville Road, between Harbor Springs and Good Hart in Emmet County, damaged in the spring flooding. 

Now, engineers are assessing other sections of the roadway washed out by heavy rains on Monday, June 29, as well as sections of M-66 and M-88 in Antrim County. Wahl provides a status report on each of the washouts and short- and long-term planning for both.

Sen. Damoose talks about his conversations with business owners and other constituents affected by the road closures and the ongoing challenges to fund sustainable infrastructure in Michigan.