Public Update: Ottawa Street Bridge Removal

December 17, 2025

The Ottawa Street Bridge over the South Branch of the Muskegon River has been closed to vehicle traffic since 2016 due to serious structural concerns. The bridge was built between 1926-1932. Historic bridge advocates worked to determine the bridge is eligible for listing on the National Historic Register (although the bridge was not and is not actually listed, it is only eligible). MDOT is leading and funding a project to remove the bridge at the city’s request due to the deteriorating condition of the bridge. The city of Muskegon is assisting by providing information and helping to gather public feedback. An open house is scheduled for January 13, 2026, to review the project and provide comments.

A stone bridge spans a calm, narrow river, surrounded by lush greenery. The scene is peaceful with a bright, clear sky above. Close-up of a cracked concrete surface, revealing rusted steel reinforcement rods. The texture is rough, with small stones visible, conveying decay. An old concrete bridge with overgrown grass and cracks on the pavement. Background shows a road with traffic signs and cars, under a cloudy sky.

Project Summary

2016
The northbound lane of the Ottawa Street Bridge was closed after inspections revealed serious safety concerns.

2017
Bridge inspections document significant deterioration including steel beams with holes, water damage, and structural issues.

2018
The city applied for MDOT critical bridge funding to replace the bridge, requesting approximately $1.37 million with $300,000 in local matching funds. Funding was not received. View 4/24/2018 City Commission packet and minutes.

2021
The city is notified by MDOT that the Ottawa Street Bridge will be included in a first-of-its-kind Local Agency Bridge Bundling Program together with several other bridges around the state. MDOT will fund and lead the project, with the City providing minor support.

April 14, 2022
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) determined that removal of the bridge would have an “adverse effect,” meaning the removal would have a detrimental outcome on the historic nature of the bridge. This requires MDOT and its consultants, with the City’s assistance, to perform several additional tasks over several years to be sure that removal is the best course of action. Consulting parties were notified, including the City, local historic groups, and Tribal Nations.

April 25, 2023
DPW Director Dan VanderHeide presented to the City Commission.

Key points:

  • MDOT is leading and funding the bridge removal project.
  • The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and its removal is considered an adverse effect.
  • The City’s role is limited to providing information, guidance, and approval of final project details.

Public comments at the meeting included:

  • Lea Markowski, Muskegon Watershed: Noted frequent use of Richards Park and asked that the value of the bridge not be discounted.
  • Diane Foster: Mentioned that funds were previously set aside for repairs and that the bridge is still used by some residents; highlighted her work installing a disc golf course at Richards Park.
  • Brian Clincy (call-in): Emphasized the need for safe access to Richards Park.
  • 4/25/2023 Commission video, packet, minutes

2024–2025
MDOT and its consultants work through several preliminary items necessary to provide documentation that removal is an acceptable action, and how best to represent the historic nature of the bridge after it has been removed.

January 13, 2026
MDOT Public Open House at City Hall Lobby, 3–5 PM. Residents can review project materials, ask questions, and provide feedback on the bridge removal and planned mitigation measures as required by SHPO.

January 30, 2026
Public comment period closes. Submit feedback at the open house or to MDOT’s consultant: Charlie Stein, AECOM – (616) 574-8531 | [email protected]

Bridge Removal
Scheduled dates are dependent on federal and state approvals. MDOT will provide updates through the city.