Tunnel will connect two sides of campus at Michigan arts school

The Interlochen Center for the Arts is building the tunnel so students can avoid a busy road as they go from one side of the campus to the other.
July 28, 2025

How will the students cross the road?

At the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan, they'll use the tunnel the school is building.

Interlochen Public Radio reports that the school campus is situated on either side of J. Maddy Parkway, and building the tunnel underneath the road will enable students and staff to circumvent the busy thoroughfare and avoid car traffic.

“Golf carts, pedestrians, bicycles will all be able to use the tunnel," said Eric Gray, Interlochen’s executive director of facilities and maintenance. "A little bit of pain during the construction, but we’ll alleviate that issue of needing to cross the road there.”

The 18-foot tunnel could improve safety for people frequently traveling from one side of campus to the other. It will also alleviate the need for traffic to stop every time someone needs to cross the road.

The school hopes to finish construction of the tunnel by October.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

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