Border to Border Trail Update: Dexter Connection Construction Advances as Separate Trail Closure Nears Reopening

Two major Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail projects in the Dexter area continue to move forward, with one bringing a temporary closure in downtown and another expected to reopen soon after lasting longer than originally anticipated.

Downtown Dexter Connection

Construction is making steady progress on the Dexter Connection segment of the B2B, connecting downtown Dexter to the Chelsea corridor.

To accommodate ongoing work, contractors have closed the existing boardwalk on the City of Dexter side of the project. Posted detours remain in place for pedestrians and cyclists, allowing access to the Mill Creek Trail system while construction continues.

Crews have completed about 30% of the stone base installation along Dexter-Chelsea Road and continue grading the trail corridor in preparation for concrete paving.

Several significant milestones are expected in the coming weeks. A crane will soon be brought to the Dexter side of the project to begin installing the steel piling and pier caps for the new trail bridge crossing.

The historic Bell Road Bridge is also expected to arrive on site in sections. The bridge will be reassembled and incorporated into the new trail crossing, preserving a piece of local history while creating a scenic link in the B2B network.

Dexter-Huron Closure Nearing an End

Meanwhile, a separate section of the B2B remains closed through Dexter-Huron Metropark, although officials say the reopening should come soon.

The trail between the Metropark and Central Street closed on April 20 for repairs to six boardwalks where timber deck boards had deteriorated from wood rot and decay. The closure was originally expected to last through mid-June, but the work has extended into mid-July.

According to information circulating among project officials, the trail is expected to reopen within days, although no official reopening date has yet been announced.

Featured photo: Construction equipment sits at the Dexter Connection project site, where crews will soon use a crane to install the steel piling and pier caps for the new Border to Border Trail bridge crossing. The bridge is a key part of the new trail link through downtown Dexter. Photo by Doug Marrin