Plasterbed Road (Sinkhole) Updates

MAY 2024 Update

While the official word on the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office website still states that Plasterbed Road will be closed indefinitely, we have heard that work to fill the undermining should begin by fall of 2024. We will keep you updated as soon as we know anything official.

JANUARY 2024 Update

We all share in the frustration with the length of time that the roadway has been closed and sympathize with all businesses and residents who have been inconvenienced.  Unfortunately its closure continues to be necessary until the appropriate solution can be determined and implemented.  Below is a brief update:

Undermining caused the roadway to fail in the past at this same location but repair was inadequate and is now very dangerous. In April of 2023, ODNR assured the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office that they would handle the design and construction of this project at no cost to the County.  Since then, their financial commitment has fallen through and the design has taken much longer then they originally projected.

Knowing that Plasterbed is still undermined in several locations, the County Engineer cannot authorize the opening of it until it is all properly reinforced. To help mitigate the expense, the Engineer and County Commissioners escorted Senator Gavarone and Representative Swearingen to the site so that they could see for themselves the need for funding assistance.  Both agreed to assist however they can.

In late 2023 ODNR provided a rough plan to fill the undermining a meeting was held with associated parties to ask questions and discuss options, which included addressing ALL of the undermining under Plasterbed Road.  This conversation led into many other questions and will require a bit more research on ODNR’s part before a final decision can be made.