Lakeshore Drive Managed Retreat Project
Project Description
The Allegan County Road Commission has identified the need to construct a new inland for Saugatuck Township, where the existing Lakeshore Drive roadway is continuously impacted by severe coastal erosion. Since 1988, when the existing road (Lakeshore Drive) experienced a major washout that eliminated north-south access, residents, visitors, and emergency services have been impacted by the consistent erosion and washout of the roadway. The new proposed road will connect between 126th Avenue and 130th Avenue (Wiley Road) within Saugatuck Township.
The Allegan County Road Commission has completed two studies on addressing the threat of coastal erosion to Lakeshore Drive in Saugatuck Township. Those studies can be found below.
Currently, the Allegan County Road Commission and Saugatuck Township are exploring funding opportunities to reconnect the currently disconnected sections of Lakeshore Drive and ensure safe access for residents and emergency services.
SITE INVESTIGATION
Lakeshore Drive Site Investigation Figures Maps & Appendices
Lakeshore Drive Site Investigation Report
The Allegan County Road Commission is currently in the process of continuing design engineering, exploring permitting requirements, and determining available property as the second phase of this project. Members of the public are welcome to direct questions about this second phase investigation to Craig Atwood, Managing Director of the Allegan County Road Commission, via email at catwood@alleganroads.org.
Financial assistance for these projects was provided, in part, by the Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy under the National Coastal Zone Management Program, through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Recording of Lakeshore Drive Workshop
The Allegan County Road Commission and Saugatuck Township hosted a Public Information Workshop on Long-Term Erosion Management Strategies for Lakeshore Drive at the Saugatuck High School on Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 from 4-6pm.
Topics discussed include existing bluff conditions, the ongoing risk coastal erosion poses to the roadway, and design options for long-term management for Lakeshore Drive.
Phase 1 was completed in October 2022.
Coastal Management Resources
Adapting to a Changing Great Lakes Coast (Video)
Shoreline Hard Armoring (Video)
Michigan’s Great Lake Shorelines Throughout Time (Online App)
Lake Level Viewer (Online App)
Kalamazoo Lake Harbor Study (Website)
Living On The Coast: Protecting Investments In Shore Property On The Great Lakes (Online Guide)