Since the removal of the Sabin Dam and the creation of the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve in Grand Traverse County, the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) had long visioned to connect the trail systems on the east and west side of the Boardman River. GFA worked with the GTCD to engineer a new pedestrian bridge crossing that would connect the trail create a 41 mile loop of local trails that include the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, East Creek Reserve Trails, Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Muncie Lakes Pathway, North Country Trail, VASAPathway, and the TART. The project - deemed the Ottaway Crossing - included a 160-foot long by 12-foot wide pre-engineered pedestrian bridge from Bridge Brothers, concrete bridge abutments, afton stone trails, including an acceible path from a new parking lot on the east side of the river, boulder retaining walls, sheet pile, and assocaited work. As the bridge was constructed in the location of a historic dam, construction required critical inspection and testing services to ensure quality soil and materials. GFA further provided full construction services and construction staking for this project. Work was compelted by Molon Excavating in 2026.
