Marquette, Michigan – Dangerous winter travel conditions are forcing a major roadway closure in the central Upper Peninsula as whiteout conditions develop near Marquette. Michigan State Police and road crews have shut down a portion of M-28 between Kawbawgam Road and M-94 due to blowing and drifting snow that has reduced visibility to near zero.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, intense lake effect snow combined with strong winds is creating whiteout conditions across exposed stretches of the highway. Snow is blowing back across the roadway as quickly as crews can clear it, making travel unsafe even for experienced winter drivers. The closure affects the stretch of M-28 between Harvey and Munising, a critical east–west corridor in Alger and Marquette counties.
Drivers are being routed around the closure using an alternate path from Skandia to Chatham via U.S. 41 and M-94, though officials warn that conditions along the detour remain slick with areas of blowing snow, especially in open terrain. Visibility can change rapidly, and untreated stretches may become snow-covered in minutes.
Travel in the region is strongly discouraged until conditions improve. Officials urge motorists to delay trips, monitor MDOT and local law enforcement updates, and avoid the closed section entirely. Additional closures or advisories remain possible if whiteout conditions persist through the day.
