Traffic will be restricted to only two lanes on the cruise route
By MITCH HOTTS | mhotts@medianewsgroup.com | Macomb Daily
July 28, 2023 at 7:36 a.m.
Looks like Gratiot Avenue will be congested for the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise coming up next month.
Organizers of this year’s cruise have been forced to make some changes to the route because of ongoing road construction.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has two of four lanes closed as work crews continue on a resurfacing project along Gratiot from 14 Mile Road to Wellington Crescent. MDOT says the project should wrap up this year.
The cruise committee said the event will go on as scheduled although participants may find the route a little backed up.
“The construction will definitely have an impact on our event,” Paul Silvestri, the committee secretary and treasurer said in an email. “Obviously, with the right two lanes closed, traffic will be affected and the viewing of cruising will probably be obstructed.”
According to Silvestri, the Family Fun Zone area will be moved from the Regional Shopping Center at Gratiot and 15 Mile Road to the back of the McLaren Macomb “glass house” building at Gratiot just south of 16 Mile Road (Metro Parkway).
“We are not shortening the route or making any adjustments with the route, we are just living with it,” Silvestri said.
The committee also said “contrary to what some construction workers on Gratiot may be telling people, we will still be cruising Gratiot Avenue.”
MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross referred a reporter to Gratiot Cruise personnel for comment the changes.
The 20th anniversary of the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6.
Celebrating Macomb County’s largest procession of hot rods, roadsters, motorcycles, antique vehicles, pickup trucks and other wheeled contraptions that gather on Gratiot between 14 Mile and Wellington Crescent for a day of family fun.
There is no charge to attend the cruise, which runs from noon-6 p.m. Aug. 6, with festivities starting as early as 9 a.m.
Two pre-cruise car shows will be held at:
- Tuesday, Aug. 1 — Gratiot Pub, 34005 Gratiot
- Thursday, Aug. 3 — Alibi Inn, 33025 S. Gratiot