M-104 fixed-span bridge

Plans originally called for a movable span to be constructed in 1959 along with the US-31 drawbridge, but state officials later changed their minds.  The decision resulted in numerous protests from officials of Spring Lake Village, Spring Lake Township, and Grand Haven.  State officials were primarily concerned with traffic backups that might arise with an additional drawbridge and favored a fixed span option.  Local officials opposed the fixed span because it would not allow boat traffic to enter and exit Spring Lake.  Construction began in August 1964 by L. W. Lamb Company with a final cost of $1,226,899, including the ramp structures. The M-104 fixed-span bridge opened on December 3, 1965.  It is 400 feet long and 35 feet above the channel.  It replaced the old jackknife bridge connecting Ferrysburg and Spring Lake, completed in 1921. 

The library wishes to thank Wallace K. Ewing, PhD. for permission to use text from his book A Topical Directory of the History of Northwest Ottawa County, distributed by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum.

Click on images to enlarge.  It may take a few moments for pictures to load.