Ann Arbor Addresses Sinkholes on Border-to-Border Trail
The city is stabilizing trail sections after century-old culverts failed, requiring caution from local outdoor enthusiasts.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hiking
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The City of Ann Arbor is working to stabilize a section of the Border-to-Border Trail following the formation of sinkholes. These hazards were caused by the deterioration of three century-old culverts located beneath the Huron River in Gallup Park.
Why it matters
Trail safety is critical for residents who rely on local infrastructure for daily exercise and outdoor recreation. The current stabilization efforts aim to prevent further erosion and ensure the path remains usable while long-term replacement plans are developed.
A city engineering assessment confirmed that three culverts designed in the early 1900s have reached the end of their operational lifespan, leading to structural failure. The scope and timeline for the permanent replacement of these structures remain under investigation.
The players
City of Ann Arbor
The local municipal government responsible for maintaining public parks, trails, and water infrastructure.
The details
The sinkholes formed as the three original culverts began to fail after more than a century of service beneath the Huron River. When these structures deteriorate, they can no longer effectively manage the water flow or provide necessary structural support for the ground above, leading to soil erosion and trail instability. City engineers have implemented a temporary stabilization solution to shore up the affected area between Geddes Dam and the Gallup Park fishing pond.
Timeline
The original culverts were designed in the early 1900s.
A plan to update the culverts will be drafted before the end of 2026.
Health Landscape
This project reflects the ongoing maintenance challenges facing cities that rely on critical utility infrastructure installed during the early 1900s. It marks a shift from temporary stabilization toward the necessary long-term modernization of local outdoor recreation paths.
If you use the Border-to-Border Trail near Gallup Park, observe all posted signage and temporary barriers while the area remains under stabilization. These precautions are essential for preventing injury while city crews continue to monitor the trail for further soil movement.
The takeaway
Maintaining safe access to local trails is essential for supporting consistent physical activity. As aging infrastructure is identified, consult official city alerts to stay informed about potential closures or route changes in your area.
What happens next
City officials expect to draft a comprehensive plan for updating the deteriorated culverts before the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more tips on navigating local trails, visit the Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEMU-FM.
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