Traffic
Gratiot County, MI Rest Area Closed Due to Broken Sewer Line
Gratiot County, MI — Drivers traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 127 through mid Michigan will need to make alternate plans for restroom breaks after a rest area near Ithaca was closed Monday because
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-12T15:55:31.839Z
Gratiot County, MI — Drivers traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 127 through mid Michigan will need to make alternate plans for restroom breaks after a rest area near Ithaca was closed Monday because of a broken sewer line. State transportation officials have not announced when the facility will reopen.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation MDOT , the Ithaca Rest Area along northbound US 127 in Gratiot County is currently closed because of a damaged sewer line requiring repairs.
The closure was announced Monday, Oct. 12, and will remain in effect until the sewer line can be repaired.
MDOT has not provided an estimated reopening date or a confirmed repair schedule.
The affected facility serves northbound motorists traveling through the Ithaca area, along a major mid Michigan highway connecting communities across the central portion of the state.
For travelers heading north through Gratiot County, the closure means restroom facilities and other rest area amenities at this location are temporarily unavailable.
Motorists planning longer trips should consider stopping for fuel, restrooms or refreshments before reaching the closed facility.
Nearby communities along the US 127 corridor, including Ithaca, Alma and St. Louis, may provide alternative stopping options depending on a driver's route and available businesses.
The transportation department did not indicate that the closure affects the highway's travel lanes or requires a detour.
Officials also have not released details about the extent of the sewer line damage or how long repairs are expected to take.
The closure will continue until the necessary work is completed and the facility can safely reopen.
Drivers can monitor updates and check other available rest areas through MDOT's official rest area information website.
Rest area information: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/tourists/rest areas
Motorists traveling northbound on US 127 should plan ahead until the Ithaca Rest Area reopens.