About this Location

Facility Overview

The MDOT Park & Ride at US-127 and M-57 (Cleveland Road / Dodge Street) is an officially maintained state commuter surface lot located just outside Ashley, Michigan, in southeastern Gratiot County. Designed as a dedicated multi-modal staging area, this open-air, paved lot provides easy vehicular access for regional motorists commuting between central and mid-Michigan communities. Because it is an unobstructed outdoor asphalt surface lot with no overhead barriers, parking decks, or low-clearance overhangs, it easily accommodates all vehicle classes—from compact passenger vehicles and crossover SUVs to full-size work pickup trucks, passenger vans, and standard utility utility haulers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned directly at the junction of two of Mid-Michigan\'s essential regional transportation arteries—North-South corridor US-127 and East-West trunkline M-57—this carpool facility serves as a vital rendezvous hub for local workers, traveling students, and recreational drivers. While situated in a tranquil rural junction near Ashley, the location is situated within convenient reach of major regional destinations:

Downtown Ithaca: Approximately 8 miles north via US-127, offering administrative services at the Gratiot County Courthouse, regional diners, and local community shopping.
Alma & Alma College: Roughly 14 miles northwest via US-127, serving daily collegiate commuters, faculty, and healthcare staff visiting MyMichigan Medical Center Alma.
St. Johns: Approximately 14 miles directly south along US-127, providing quick access to regional dining, retail centers, and Clinton County facilities.
Greater Lansing & Michigan State University: Positioned approximately 35 to 40 miles south down US-127, making this lot a premier park-and-carpool rendezvous point for state government workers, university staff, and Big Ten athletic event attendees seeking to avoid urban parking gridlock.
Village of Ashley: Located 3 miles east along Dodge/M-57, home to popular seasonal community attractions such as the Ashley Country Christmas festivities and local railway history stops.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing the lot is straightforward and designed for seamless vehicular ingress and egress. Motorists navigating US-127 can exit directly at the M-57 junction and follow clear MDOT directional signage onto Dodge Street / Cleveland Road. The wide, smoothly graded apron ensures high visibility when entering or merging back into traffic during high-speed, busy morning or evening commute hours. Operating as a public park-and-ride lot, it enables smooth transitions for rideshare participants, vanpool groups, and regional shuttle connections serving Gratiot and Clinton Counties.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Level asphalt pavement with visible stall striping designed for standard and wide-wheelbase passenger vehicles.
No Height Clearance Restrictions: Open-sky parking layout suitable for high-roof commercial vans, roof-racked SUVs, and standard commuter passenger vehicles.
Free Public Parking: Fully funded and maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) with no entry tickets, meters, or reservation fees required for daily carpoolers.
Overhead Area Lighting: Dusk-to-dawn illuminated lighting fixtures situated across the tarmac for nighttime visibility and driver security.
Accessible Stalls: Designated barrier-free ADA parking spaces located near the primary entrance for drivers with limited mobility.
24/7 Access: Continuous access without gated controls, facilitating early morning shift departures and late-evening returns.

Ideal For

Daily Highway Commuters: Workers traveling south toward DeWitt, Lansing, and East Lansing, or north toward Ithaca, Alma, and Mount Pleasant.
Rideshare & Carpool Groups: Friends, coworkers, and family members meeting at a central point to consolidate vehicles and reduce fuel expenditures.
College Students & Faculty: Commuters heading to Alma College, Mid Michigan College, or Michigan State University.
Eventgoers & Road Trippers: Drivers assembling carpools for Spartan Stadium football games, Breslin Center events, or seasonal festivities across Mid-Michigan.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking Duration: Carpool lots are designated for day-use and short-term commuter staging (typically up to 48 hours for authorized carpooling); long-term vehicle abandonment or unattended equipment staging is prohibited.
Winter Weather Precautions: Michigan Department of Transportation contractors plow and salt the tarmac during winter events, but drivers should take care during early morning freezing conditions and park well clear of snow storage perimeters.
Secure Your Vehicle: As an open-air public facility without active physical attendants, drivers should roll up all windows, lock doors, and store all personal belongings or electronic valuables completely out of sight.
GPS Navigation: Set GPS directions to the intersection of US-127 and M-57 / Dodge St in Ashley, MI (ZIP 48806) to ensure direct routing off the highway exit ramp.