Forest Road Over Sickle Creek

Technical Description:

• Span: 16 ft
• Rise: 6 ft
• Length: 32 ft

In the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan, the U.S. Forest Service evaluates stream crossings for replacement based on hydrology, potential sediment delivery and fish/aquatic organism passage. There are over 70 species of fish that currently make up the area’s fish community, with the survival of some, like the lake herring and lake sturgeon, severely threatened.

The USFS needed to replace two 36” diameter corrugated metal pipe culverts. The culverts were small, short and did not allow for easy fish passage. A CON/SPAN^® precast arch was chosen to replace the existing structures. The new bottomless structure opened up a half mile for passage of the stream’s salmon and trout populations and improved the hydrology of the stream. The clear span, with the use of a strip footing foundation, provides a natural habitat corridor for resident aquatic organisms.

“I was extremely pleased with the quality of the product and believe it greatly enhances the stream environment, makes long-term economic sense and is a delight to the eye,” said Steven McDonald, civil engineer for Horon-Manistee National Forests.

Technical Description:

• Span: 16 ft
• Rise: 6 ft
• Length: 32 ft