North Bank Trail Closed Through Summer After Sewer Collapse

Spring Lake Township officials confirmed the North Bank Trail will remain closed through the summer following a May 10 collapse that damaged a regional sewer line serving Spring Lake and Crockery townships.

The trail section between 148th Avenue and North Fruitport Road gave way between 12:18 p.m. and 12:36 p.m. on Mother's Day. A trail user photographed the intact path at 12:18 p.m., and township staff received the first 911 call 18 minutes later. The land bridge foundation, built on old railroad timbers and organic materials, rotted after years of water exposure.

The collapse severed a sewer line carrying 10,000 gallons per hour. Township public works crews built a temporary bypass using equipment borrowed from Grand Haven and Ferrysburg, installing 900 feet of temporary pipe and pumps. They restored sewer flow by 7 p.m.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Ottawa County Health Department received notification within 24 hours. Health officials tested water in Lloyds Bayou Creek between the trail and M-104 and issued a no-body-contact advisory. The department lifted the advisory May 15 after follow-up tests showed e. coli levels below warning thresholds.

Experts from both agencies examined the damaged pipe and found no darkened soil around the break, indicating the sewer line functioned properly before the collapse.

Township Manager Gordon Gallagher and Supervisor Jerry Rabideau presented a three-phase repair process at a May 18 community meeting: stabilizing the collapse area, repairing the sewer line, and reconstructing the trail. Officials are preparing cost estimates and timelines for each stage and said the township has sufficient funds to complete all repairs.

Detour Routes

Westbound trail users should turn north on 148th Avenue, west on State Road, then south on North Fruitport Road to reconnect with the trail. Eastbound users should reverse the route.

Residents with questions can contact Gallagher at [email protected].