A safer, more connected Interlochen
A new pedestrian tunnel, set to begin construction in August, will permanently connect the Green Lake and Duck Lake sides of Interlochen's campus.
An artist's rendering of the tunnel beneath J Maddy Parkway.
An artist's rendering of the tunnel beneath J Maddy Parkway.
An artist's rendering of the tunnel beneath J Maddy Parkway.
This August, Interlochen Center for the Arts will break ground on a major infrastructure project that represents a bold step toward a safer and more unified campus.
Construction will begin on a new pedestrian tunnel that will run beneath J. Maddy Parkway (M-137), permanently connecting the Green Lake and Duck Lake sides of campus. The tunnel will be fully ADA-compliant and will provide students, faculty, and guests with a safe and seamless route between the two halves of Interlochen’s grounds.
“This project represents a bold step forward in our efforts to create a more unified Interlochen campus,” said President Trey Devey. “We are deeply grateful to Team Elmer’s, Green Lake Township, and the Grand Traverse County Road Commission for their collaboration, and we look forward to this tunnel becoming a vital, everyday part of the Interlochen experience.”
The 104-foot tunnel will be assembled from thirteen precast concrete sections, with an interior height of approximately 9.5 feet and a width of 18 feet. To accommodate the new structure, the surrounding roadway will be raised by more than four feet.
Construction will begin on Aug. 6 and is expected to be completed by October 2025, weather permitting. A short stretch of J. Maddy Parkway will be closed during the initial construction phase (Aug. 6–31), with detours in place for through traffic. Traffic to Interlochen will not need to detour.
This transformative project is part of Interlochen’s continued investment in campus safety, accessibility, and the student experience. We thank our community in advance for their patience and support as we take this important step forward.
