Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail
The Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail (GLBRT) is a collaborative effort between Bay, Saginaw, and Midland Counties, several municipalities and many local interest groups, and is also part of the Iron Belle Trail Route. The main goal of the GLBRT is to connect the three counties via a non-motorized path system. This would include close to 40 miles of new pathway connecting nearly 60 miles of existing multi-use trailways. A portion of this path system is on the Iron Belle Trail route.
In 2008, Spicer Group developed the Tri-County Regional Path Study, that identified potential non-motorized path linkages to connect the three counties. These routes were studied to define the challenges for development. With the study completed, it laid the groundwork to connect these communities and their existing path systems.
At the completion of the study, the GLBRT first concentrated their efforts on the Bay County to Saginaw County connection. Spicer worked with MDOT to acquire a 6.2-mile rail corridor and then with Franknenlust Township and Saginaw County to develop the corridor. Multiple grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Iron Belle Trail were acquired for the renovation of two old rail bridges, paving of the entire length and two trailheads with parking and other trailhead amenities.
The second priority for development was the Midland County to Saginaw County connection; while some of the phases are constructed in this section already, much of this phase is currently in design and construction. Multiple grants have been received from MDOT TAP, the DNR, the Michigan Trails Fund, and local foundations. Spicer worked with Kochville Township and Tittabawassee Township to develop the corridor along the Consumers Energy ROW to the Freeland Trail in 2021. Spicer Group worked with Midland County, Tittabawassee Township, and the Dow Corporation to complete the development of the segments from Hayes Township Park to Smiths Crossing Road. These segments included the boardwalk and asphalt trail as well as supporting trail amenities. Spicer Group is also working with Midland Township to complete segment 7 to connect with the Midland Township and City of Midland Trail system. Spicer Group has assisted in trail master planning, conceptual plans, cost estimates, grant writing and administration, design, land acquisition, topographical and boundary survey, EGLE permitting, bidding, and construction administration.
The Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail is close to a 100-mile system that gives walkers, runners, riders and skaters access to a multitude of destinations throughout the region, including natural areas, parks, recreational facilities and beautiful landscapes.
