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Sinkhole on Ferry Street in Douglas leads to diversion and construction work

DOUGLAS — A sinkhole on Ferry Street in Douglas has been a topic of conversation recently, and now city officials are taking steps to fix the problem.

In addition to replacing an aging culvert and bridge, the project also includes the surrounding road, water and sewer infrastructure.

“The (replacement) is critical to the well-being of our community,” Mayor Cathy North wrote in a press release. “We are committed to finding the necessary funding to get this project underway as quickly as possible.”

During this week's Douglas City Council meeting, engineers estimated repair costs at more than $700,000.

North said financing options are currently being explored.

“Our focus is on securing the best possible financing options so that we can proceed without delay and ensure the safety and reliability of this critical infrastructure,” she said.

How did we get here?

City Manager Lisa Nocerini has drawn up a schedule.

24 – 25 July: The sinkhole is discovered by a Douglas Public Works employee. The next day, city engineers visit the site to investigate. They plan to close the road and conduct the investigation.

July 29: DPW orders closure signs for Ferry Street and detour signs for Center and Lakeshore Drive. Residents of the three communities will be notified that the closure will be official on August 5.

5 August: DPW and city engineers begin working on the project. They find the culvert, which is in very poor condition. The engineers decide that the road should remain closed. The closure means a significant detour for fire engines, so it is decided to place two steel plates across the bridge, which can only be used by public safety vehicles.

19 August: Prein and Newhof engineer Lucas Timmer provides an update to the Douglas City Council, outlining several financing options. His proposal estimates construction costs at $557,340, plus $167,660 for engineering and contingencies.

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For now, the road will remain open to public safety vehicles only. Pedestrians and bicycles must use a designated lane. Oval Beach, Mt. Baldhead and local businesses will remain open using a detour.

The city provides current information at douglasmi.gov.

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at [email protected].

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