09/03/2026
Below is a long update regarding Roberts Road. In short, its no good for this season. The road is to be abandoned by the County and given to The Army Corps of Engineers/MiDNR for repair and long term maintenance.
I have pending FOIAs and other irons in the fire but this is the latest information from the office of Jamie Thompson - State Representative
"Thanks again for reaching out. This situation got off to a slow start because there was confusion on who was responsible for the culvert. Typically, in situations like this when a stream runs under a county road the county road commission would be the responsible party. However, in this case sometime back in the 80’s there was an understanding that the DNR and US Army Corp of Engineers would maintain this crossing. DNR staff was unaware of this until the ACOE provided some documentation that the DNR did not have. Roberts Rd is the ACOE access point for the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF). They need that access for their contractors and maintenance of the CDF that is why they are so involved with the project. Below is an overview of the situation provided by our local staff.
Roberts Road Culvert Failure and Road Closure
We understand that the closure of Roberts Road is an inconvenience for residents, landowners, hunters, and others who use the area. We want to provide an update on what is happening, why the process is taking time, and what is being done to find a safe, long-term solution.
The culverts carrying Mouillee Creek beneath Roberts Road have failed, causing a portion of the roadway to wash out. Because of the condition of the crossing, the road cannot safely be reopened without major reconstruction.
A Long-Term Solution Is Being Developed
Waterway regulations have changed since the existing culverts were installed in the late 1980s. The current enclosed, round culverts are no longer an acceptable design for this stream crossing.
The crossing will need to be completely redesigned and professionally engineered. Potential solutions include a bridge-style structure or a bottomless arch culvert. While this process takes time, the goal is to develop a safe, durable solution that will serve the area for years to come.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently working on the necessary surveys, engineering, design, and permitting.
Coordination With Local and State Agencies
USACE and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are working toward an agreement that would allow USACE to repair and maintain the road now and into the future.
As part of that process, coordination with the Monroe County Road Commission (MCRC) is required to formally abandon the road. Before that can happen, an on-the-ground survey must establish the exact location of the road right-of-way and identify any adjacent private property owners.
USACE is also considering maintaining the entire roadway from Turnpike Road to the launch. If that approach moves forward, multiple adjacent property owners may need to participate in the road-abandonment process.
Temporary Crossing
We recognize that a temporary crossing would provide an important short-term solution. We have asked MCRC to consider a temporary, single-lane bridge. After reviewing the request, MCRC determined that it could not approve a temporary crossing because of public safety concerns.
At this time, there is no approved temporary crossing and no alternative route available.
Upcoming Waterfowl Season
We know many people rely on access to this area during waterfowl season, and we understand the disappointment and frustration this closure may cause.
Unfortunately, the required surveys, engineering, design, agreements, and permits cannot be completed in time for the crossing to be reconstructed before or during the upcoming waterfowl season.
We will continue working with USACE, DNR, MCRC, and affected property owners to move the process forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring that the final solution is safe, properly designed, and permitted.
We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as this work moves forward."
