OES staff oversaw the construction of the Lower Yahara River Trail, which connects the City of McFarland to the City of Madison. The trail is constructed along a railroad corridor that crosses the Yahara River through a narrow strip of land that separates Mud Lake from Lake Waubesa in Dane County. This was a very controversial and high profile project that benefited from our excellent working relationships with Dane County, City of Madison, City of McFarland, and the Wisconsin DNR.

Our staff’s leadership and construction experience helped guide this project through many challenges such as:

• Constructability reviews of plans and special provisions to ensure that the plans were buildable and cost effective
• Oversight of varying types of boardwalk support systems which were implemented due to poor soils, adjacent lakes, adjacent railroad tracks, and archaeological features
• Incorporation of boardwalk enhancements such as scenic lookouts and fishing piers
• Use of non-penetrating bearing pads and helical piles
• Avoidance of archaeological features
• Compliance with Wisconsin DNR standards, including avoidance of wetlands and waterways