The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is planning a $5 million improvement project for the Kal Haven Trail in the next few years, and that has caused some concerns about the fate of an iconic bridge near the South Haven trailhead. The Donald F. Nichols covered bridge was once a railroad bridge that was abandoned in the 1970s and later incorporated into the Kal Haven Trail. South Haven Visitors Bureau Director Jen Sistrunk tells WSJM News the bridge is a popular attraction.
“We get guests coming in our office on a regular basis looking to ride the trail, and that’s usually their stop right now,” Sistrunk said. “If yo check social media, you’ll see many, many families and photos of people at the covered bridge. It’s certainly an icon.”
The DNR is planning to replace several trail bridges as part of its 17-mile repaving project planned for the Kal Haven Trail. That’s got locals concerned the covered bridge will be lost. Sistrunk says they’re willing to work with the DNR.
“We understand that there are some major renovations that need to be done to the bridge. Right now, they’re not releasing exactly what their intentions are, but our hope is that we can work with the DNR to make sur we come up with a solution that works for everyone.:
Sistrunk says if there’s some fundraising element that could come into play, the visitors bureau would be interested in being part of the conversation. The DNR has not said what its design plans are for the Donald F. Nichols bridge, which can be seen on the cover of the current issue of Pure Michigan Magazine. The DNR told us in July it plans to start its $5 million project on the trail in the next few years.
