Project Overview
A section of the Border to Border (B2B) Trail between Gallup Park and Geddes Dam is currently closed due to significant deterioration discovered in culverts located beneath the trail embankment.
In July 2026, City staff identified a sinkhole above one of three submerged culverts within the B2B Trail corridor. Subsequent underwater inspections found severe corrosion, separated pipe joints, and active soil loss within portions of the culvert system. Investigations determined that deterioration of the culverts is allowing surrounding soils to migrate into the pipes, creating underground voids beneath the trail.
As these voids develop, they can lead to ground settlement, additional sinkholes, and potential instability of the trail embankment. Based on these findings, engineering consultants recommended closure of the affected trail segment to protect public safety while the extent of the deterioration is fully evaluated and a long-term solution is developed.
The City is currently evaluating repair and replacement alternatives and coordinating with regulatory agencies to identify the most effective approach for restoring the trail connection and ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of this important community asset.
Why is this project being done?
The three culverts provide an important hydraulic connection between South Pond and the Huron River and convey flows from the Malletts Creek and Swift Run Drain systems. Two of the culvert extensions installed by the City in the 1960s have reached the end of their useful service life and are exhibiting significant deterioration.
The project will address these aging structures and provide a long-term solution that restores safety and reliability.
Work to be done
The City is currently evaluating repair and replacement alternatives for the deteriorated culverts. Potential improvements may include:
- Temporary structures to re-open the trail
- Replacement of the failed culvert extensions
- Stabilization of surrounding soils and embankments
Before construction can begin, additional engineering evaluations, permitting, environmental reviews, and coordination with various agencies must be completed.
Because the culverts are located within the Huron River corridor and adjacent to the railroad, the project will require coordination with multiple agencies, which may include:
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
- Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner (WCWRC)
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The City has initiated the coordination process to identify the most effective path forward while minimizing impacts to natural resources and public infrastructure.
Costs and funding sources
Project costs are currently being evaluated and will depend on the final repair or replacement approach, permitting requirements, environmental mitigation needs, and construction conditions.
Potential funding sources may include a combination of:
- City capital improvement funds
- Parks and Recreation funding
- Stormwater or drainage-related funding sources
- State or federal grant opportunities
- Other funding sources identified during project development
Additional information regarding project costs and funding will be posted as it becomes available.
The City will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available. Project milestones, schedule updates, funding information, and construction notifications will be posted on this website throughout the life of the project.
Protecting public safety while restoring this important regional trail connection remains the City's highest priority.
The closure affects the Border to Border Trail segment between Gallup Park and Geddes Dam.
Impacts include:
- Temporary loss of access through the affected section.
- Disruption to walking, running, and bicycling routes.
- Reduced connectivity along the Border to Border Trail corridor.
- Longer travel distances to reach destinations on either side of the closure.
At this time, no direct trail detour is available that fully replicates the existing route. Users are encouraged to plan alternate travel routes and allow additional travel time.
Project Boundaries
Gallup Park Border to Border Trail Culvert project extent
