Kalamazoo Nature Center :: Beech Maple Trail Railroad Tunnel

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Engineering

Story

Design Program:  After 12 years of planning, the Beech Maple Trail Railroad Tunnel now makes it possible for children and adults who are nature enthusiasts to safely enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the River Boardwalk which takes you to the banks of the Kalamazoo River.  Prior to the tunnel, the Nature Center property and the Kalamazoo River were separated by the Norfolk and Southern railroad tracks, which was a dangerous situation for campers and visitors alike. The tunnel is 100 feet in length with a 10 foot steel lined diameter. The Nature Center was founded and developed in 1964 by Dr. Lewis Batts as a natural habitat and learning center for the citizens and visitors of the City of Kalamazoo, and it was very important that the construction of this tunnel would not disturb the vegetation and wildlife that inhabit that area.

Design Challenges:  The tunnel was designed to be constructed under the Norfolk and Southern Railroad tracks, and with the challenge of keeping the disturbance of the Nature Centers natural    settings to a minimum, it made it impossible for Capitol Tunneling to bring in the heavy equipment necessary to do the job. Because of these circumstances, the tunnel had to be dug by hand. It took the team of tunneling specialists 24 hours a day for a period of two weeks until they finally broke through to the other side.

 

Facts

  • Title: Kalamazoo nature center
  • Subtitle: Beech maple trail railroad tunnel
  • Location: Kalamazoo, michigan
  • Postal code: 49009
  • Phase: Complete
  • Budget: $ 280,000
  • Size: 100.0


Project Identification Number:

PP-CST-5822-D4AA-1EE9-04CC-0


Status: Completed


Tags

  • recreation
  • recreational


Project Credits:


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