October 2, 2009 -- The Southern Links Trailway, located in the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Bay Region, won the 2009 Michigan American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Quality of Life Award. The trail, a 10.2-mile non-motorized path and equestrian trailway, entwines along an abandoned rail corridor, connecting the villages of Columbiaville, Otter Lake and Millington.
MDOT's Cass City Transportation Service Center (TSC) and Rowe Professional Services Company, Flint, recently received the award at the Michigan ASCE annual conference in Lansing.
"Rowe prepared the plans and engineering specifications required to construct the trail, including accessibility features," said Doug Wilson, MDOT Cass City TSC manager. "The trail would not have been possible without a Department of Natural Resources grant, which was secured by area residents."
The $2.3 million trailway is paved with asphalt to accommodate hiking, biking and equestrian use. The trailway also offers scenic views of open fields, wetlands, wooded forests and farm lands.
Wooten Contracting, Hemlock, is the contractor for Phase I of the project, completed in 2008, which extends the path from Columbiaville north to Otter Lake. LJ Construction, Inc., Clifford, is currently completing Phase II, which includes work to convert the former Penn Central Railroad into a non-motorized path, and extending a 5.4-mile section of the path from the village of Otter Lake north to the village of Millington.
"The trailway promotes economic growth in the region and provides area residents and visitors with improved recreational facilities." said Wilson.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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