PAINT CREEK TRAIL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

The Paint Creek Trail Bridge Replacement was an important infrastructure project led by the City of Rochester in partnership with the Paint Creek Trailways Commission to replace a nearly century‑old, deteriorated railroad trestle bridge at mile marker 31.7. The original 12‑foot by 43‑foot wooden structure exhibited extensive structural decay, prompting the need for a safer and more durable crossing along the heavily used 8.9‑mile regional trail. AEW provided surveying, hydraulic analysis, civil engineering, and grant administration services, supporting the project from design through construction. The new bridge features a 14‑foot‑wide, 70‑foot‑long prefabricated steel truss design that spans the creek without mid‑stream supports, improving hydraulic performance and reducing debris buildup. Careful coordination with EGLE and other agencies ensured compliance with environmental restrictions and protected Paint Creek’s high‑quality cold‑water ecosystem, including its brown trout habitat. Construction sequencing and permitting were strategically planned to minimize ecological impacts while maintaining project efficiency. Completed in 2026, the new bridge now provides a safe, accessible crossing for trail users, emergency responders, and maintenance crews while supporting the long‑term health and function of the creek.