Ann Arbor Addresses Border-to-Border Trail Sinkholes
The city is planning repairs to stabilize the trail after sinkholes formed near the Huron River.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hiking
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Ann Arbor city officials are moving to address structural issues on a section of the Border-to-Border Trail where sinkholes have appeared. The instability follows the deterioration of three culverts located beneath the path in Gallup Park.
Why it matters
The culverts, which date back to the early 1900s, have reached the end of their functional lifespan. Their failure is directly responsible for the ground instability that currently threatens the integrity of the popular recreational trail.
Three culverts beneath the Huron River in Gallup Park have deteriorated after being in service since the early 1900s. City engineers have already implemented a temporary stabilization solution to manage the sinkholes along the trail.
The players
City of Ann Arbor
The local government authority responsible for managing public infrastructure and the maintenance of city park trails.
The details
The affected portion of the Border-to-Border Trail sits between the Geddes Dam and the Gallup Park fishing pond. Engineers are currently working to finalize a permanent solution to replace the failing drainage systems.
Timeline
The culverts were originally designed in the early 1900s.
A plan to update the culverts will be drafted before the end of 2026.
Culture Shift
This project highlights the challenges of maintaining infrastructure built to 1900s era civil engineering standards as original materials reach the end of their lifespan. The initiative reflects a growing focus on restoring public recreational spaces to ensure safety for modern trail users.
Residents should exercise caution while navigating the section of the Border-to-Border Trail between Geddes Dam and the Gallup Park fishing pond. While temporary stabilization is in place, future repair work may require periodic detours or closures along this popular route.
The takeaway
Maintaining aging infrastructure is a critical component of preserving local recreational access for the community. Residents can monitor city announcements to stay informed about upcoming trail improvements and potential accessibility changes.
What happens next
City officials are scheduled to draft a comprehensive plan for the culvert replacements by the end of 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on local outdoor access and maintenance projects on the Ann Arbor Hiking page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEMU-FM.
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