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. For all phases,

Spicer Group has assisted in grant writing and administration, design, survey, land acquisition, 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.