CTH D Buffalo Lake Causeway Reconstruction Project has been honored with an APWA Project of the Year award in the Transportation Category for projects Less than $5 Million. The projects KL Engineering executes are often a symphony of environmental stewardship, cost effective decision making, and creative problem solving. However, this composition would be incomplete without including the community being served by the project. For the causeway, community needs were considered at every step of the project.
While Marquette County led formal public involvement efforts, KL Engineering played an active supporting role throughout design and construction. KL’s Project Leader Bill Biesmann shared how we were committed to the community throughout the process. “We understood what the community needed, and delivered it.”
KL emphasized the broader value of the project beyond restoring roadway function. Communicating planned community amenities, including ADA-compliant fishing piers, helped residents see the project as an investment in the community rather than a temporary disruption.
Bill recognized the community engagement around fishing that needed to be addressed in the project design. “If you were to visit the causeway today, you would probably see a few trucks parked and folks fishing near causeway culverts. Providing the fishing platforms was crucial, and we ensured that they were accessible to everyone through the design.”
For the fishing platforms, KL Engineering worked with the county to specify eco-friendly wooden systems in lieu of metal alternatives, reducing environmental impacts associated with metal production and better integrating the structures into the natural lakeside setting. Weathering steel was used for platform shoring to enhance durability and reduce long-term maintenance needs. The material’s natural patina eliminates the need for painting and provides corrosion resistance, lowering future operational costs for Marquette County.
When asked what mattered most about this project to him, Bill had this to share: “The success of the CTH D Buffalo Lake Causeway Reconstruction project is measured by its engineering innovation, and by the lasting value it creates for the community. Marquette County and KL Engineering delivered a resilient roadway that restores reliable access while expanding recreational opportunities with ADA-compliant fishing platforms, improved bicycle facilities, and a safer experience for residents and visitors enjoying Buffalo Lake.”
We are grateful for the recognition that the CTH D Causeway Buffalo Lake Reconstruction Project has received through an APWA Project of the Year Award, as it is a true testament to what we value most in our projects: innovation, creativity, and community engagement.
