As a result of heavy rains and flooding along the Elroy-Sparta Trail in 2018, several structures and trail segments were damaged and closed. KL Engineering performed structure inspections for all 49 of the trail structures between Norwalk and Elroy.
Each structure was visually inspected and evaluated for weight limits according to the various uses. A preliminary study was completed, which included cost estimates of repairs that were needed to re-open the trail. Damage caused by flooding was identified and categorized against other maintenance types of repairs. This was completed to secure funding from FEMA to cover costs for flood related repairs.
The second phase of the project involved the development of repair and replacement structure plans. Structure repairs included items from adding riprap to reinforcing or replacing existing structural components up to full structure replacement. Two bridges were replaced with prefabricated steel pedestrian trusses.
