Facility Overview
The MDOT Public Carpool Parking facility, located at 4360 E Colonville Rd, Clare, MI 48617, is a designated open-air surface lot maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation. As a specialized park-and-ride facility, it is designed for ease of access and high-volume turnover. The lot features an expansive, level layout that accommodates a variety of vehicles. Because it is an open-air surface lot, there are no vertical clearance restrictions, making it perfectly suited for standard passenger cars, full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and high-roof conversion vans.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated in the heart of Clare County, this location serves as a critical transit node for commuters and travelers moving through Central Michigan. Its proximity to major regional roadways makes it an ideal staging point for those heading toward local outdoor recreation areas, regional dining hubs in downtown Clare, or transit connections that bridge the gap between rural townships and major urban centers. It is strategically positioned for those who need to leave their personal vehicle in a secure, accessible location while carpooling or meeting up for travel to Michigan events.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
The facility offers straightforward ingress and egress directly from E Colonville Rd. Its layout is optimized for high-traffic flow, ensuring that even during morning and evening rush hours, drivers can enter and exit with minimal congestion. The lot is positioned with excellent proximity to major highway arteries, providing rapid access to the freeway system for seamless regional travel. It serves as a recognized hub for organized carpooling, effectively reducing traffic congestion and streamlining commuting efforts for the local workforce.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air surface parking with no height restrictions.
- Designated ADA/Disability-accessible parking spaces.
- Strategically located for convenient carpool consolidation.
- Highly accessible to major highway corridors for regional transit.
- Well-maintained pavement with clear lane markings for orderly parking.
- Complimentary use as a public infrastructure asset.
Ideal For
- Daily commuters utilizing carpooling to reduce fuel costs and traffic.
- Travelers requiring a central meeting point before embarking on group trips.
- Regional commuters seeking a reliable, low-stress place to leave vehicles.
- Individuals attending regional sporting events or concerts who prefer to ride-share from a central location.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Arrive early during peak weekday morning hours to ensure the best selection of spots, as this is a popular hub for daily commuters.
- The lot is an open public facility; ensure all valuables are removed from your vehicle and stored out of sight to maintain security.
- Verify your GPS coordinates before departure to ensure you reach the specific MDOT entrance on E Colonville Rd, as secondary access roads may exist nearby.
- Since this is a free, public-use carpool lot, it is operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
