[2] The company's bonds of $16,000 per mile were endorsed by the Michigan Central Railroad in January 1870,[3] and much of the early construction was performed by Michigan Central crews treating it as an extension of that company's Grand River Valley branch.
[4] By May, officials had extended their plans to build to Manistee, and the company projected construction reaching Pentwater by November.
Running rights on the D&M allowed trains to operate between Grand Rapids and Muskegon, via Fruitport.
In December, 1870, regular service between Grand Rapids and Muskegon was begun, under the C&MLS name.
This line crossed the Grand River at Spoonville, and continued north to the connection in Nunica.