Client: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The Pere Marquette Rail Trail — part of a 90-mile network in Michigan — now offers continuous, safe travel from downtown Midland to the City of Clare. A 2.63-mile trail extension along M-115 and nearby local routes was key to closing the long-standing “Clare Gap.”

Restoring a Historic Rail Bridge

To complete the connection, Clark Dietz partnered with Prein & Newhof and the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Mt. Pleasant TSC to rehabilitate the early 1900s Pere Marquette Railroad Bridge over the South Branch Tobacco River.

  • Conducted field inspections and structural scoping

  • Assessed load-bearing capacity for pedestrians and emergency vehicles

  • Developed a targeted repair strategy for truss girders and abutments

Pere Marquette Bridge

Innovative Design Solutions

Clark Dietz provided an innovative method for attaching temporary formwork during construction of the new concrete deck and railing—helping bring the historic structure back into public use safely and efficiently.

A Continuous Path Forward

With the bridge restored and the new trail section complete, pedestrians and cyclists can now travel seamlessly into and through the City of Clare—without navigating high-traffic roads. The project reconnects communities, enhances outdoor recreation, and preserves a piece of Michigan’s rail history.