Project Overview

Challenge: Install recreational trail section in narrow space limitations with steep slope considerations and loose sand.

Solution: Utilize trench box safety for retaining wall construction in narrow construction zone with loose sand side slope.

The vision for Boardman Lake Trail is a shared-use pathway that circles the Boardman Lake in Traverse City, showcasing the region’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources while helping to support healthier and stronger communities and economies.

Boardman Lake Trail is owned by the City of Traverse City in partnership with Grand Traverse County and Garfield Township. Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails, Inc. works with the City, County, and Township to support the development and maintenance of the trail.

In 2020, Team Elmer’s was awarded the contract to begin construction on the n... Read more

In 2020, Team Elmer’s was awarded the contract to begin construction on the next phase of the Boardman Lake Trail loop. The new mile-long segment follows the railroad right-of-way to the parking lot on the north side of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC).

Work for this section of the trail included clearing of the trail area, sub-grading, gravel installation, construction of a 1,050 lineal-foot modular block retaining wall, landscape restoration, installation of benches and bike racks, and paving - at times in a narrow construction zone. Team Elmer’s utilized a trench box for safe construction of 1,050 lineal feet of Redi-rock retaining wall through a steep side slope section consisting of loose sand.

Originally estimated to be completed in a few months, the supply chain was affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Construction crews wrapped up asphalt and landscaping of this portion of the trail on Friday, July 2, 2021, and a ribbon cutting and a slow roll/walk down the trail was held on July 22 to celebrate the occasion.

By the Numbers

Aggregate Base: 6,254 sq. yd.
Retaining Wall: 1,050 feet
Concrete Modular Block Retaining Wall: 11,178 sq. ft.
Shared Use Path Grading: 5,090 feet
HMA Shared Use Path: 1,010 tons
Vinyl-Coated Chain Link Fence: 2,514 feet
30+ Year Vision
Annual TART Trail Visitors: 400,000

DATE STARTED: May 2020

DATE COMPLETED: July 2021
PARTNERS: ction Traffic Maintenance, Bella Concrete Construction, Diane Dukes, Inc., G&J Site Solutions, Give ‘Em A Brake Safety, PK Contracting, Inc.

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