Barney Road Reopened, Temporary Signal Removed Near Gray Road

On November 4 the Grand Traverse County Road Commission notified residents that Barney Road would reopen on Thursday November 6. The notice also said the temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Gray Road and Cedar Run Road would be taken down that same day. Drivers in the area were asked to use caution while crews completed final tasks in the project zone.

The reopening ends a period of altered traffic patterns for residents and commuters who rely on Barney Road for local travel. Restoring the roadway and removing the temporary signal are expected to reduce detours and lower travel times for people commuting to work, students on school routes, and local businesses that depend on steady access. The road commission referenced its website for further project details.

The temporary signal had been installed to manage vehicle movements during construction and to keep traffic flowing safely while crews worked. With the removal of the signal, the intersection will return to its previous configuration. Road work was not declared complete at the time of the announcement, and motorists were advised to remain attentive to signage, lane changes, and workers on site as remaining pavement and finishing tasks were completed.

For residents of Grand Traverse County the practical impacts are immediate. Motorists who had been using alternate routes can resume more direct travel, which may ease congestion on neighborhood streets that had absorbed diverted traffic. Local delivery routes and emergency services that navigate the area will also benefit from restored access. At the same time, any work zone, even a finishing phase, can present hazards, particularly as weather conditions change in November. Drivers were encouraged to slow down and follow posted instructions while crews wrap up the project.

The Grand Traverse County Road Commission remains the point of contact for updates and specific project timelines. Local officials typically post notices and maps on the road commission website to help residents plan travel and understand any remaining restrictions. Residents who commute through the Gray Road and Cedar Run Road intersection or who use Barney Road regularly should check the road commission site for the latest information and continue to be cautious when driving through active work zones.