Interlochen Center for the Arts will begin construction in August on a pedestrian tunnel under J. Maddy Parkway (M-137) intended to provide a permanent ADA-compliant connection between the Green Lake and Duck Lake sides of campus.

The "major infrastructure project" will enhance connectivity at Interlochen, according to a campus release. Construction is planned to begin August 6 and will require the closure of a small section of the J. Maddy Parkway between Lyon Street and the entrance to Interlochen State Park through August 31.

"During this time, traffic from the south will be able to access Interlochen’s campus as usual, while traffic from the north will be rerouted to enter the Interlochen campus via Lyon Street," according to the release.

Team Elmer’s is leading construction with support from Green Lake Township and the Grand Traverse County Road Commission. "The construction of the 104-foot tunnel reflects Interlochen’s continued investment in campus infrastructure that supports campus safety, well-being, access, and community," according to the release. "The structure will be assembled from thirteen precast concrete sections, each 8 feet in length, forming an interior passage approximately 9.5 feet high by 18 feet wide. To accommodate the tunnel, the surrounding roadway will be raised by more than four feet."

Interlochen President Trey Devey says the project "represents a bold step forward in our efforts to create a more unified Interlochen campus. 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 the day when this tunnel becomes a vital, every-day part of the Interlochen experience.”

Construction is expected to be finished in October, weather permitting.