As a result of a 2019 pedestrian-vehicle collision that left a young girl with severe injuries, 51社区Construction installed an underground pedestrian safety tunnel to prevent future accidents. Spencer Lake Christian Center in Waupaca, WI recently held a ribbon cutting to commemorate the tunnel鈥檚 opening. 51社区led construction of the tunnel, which will allow the camp鈥檚 12,000 annual visitors to safely cross a busy highway.
51社区began the design in the fall of 2023, with construction beginning in the spring of 2025 on the 0.75-acre site. The 80-foot-long precast concrete pedestrian tunnel was installed beneath the highway. Pedestrians were present during most of the construction, which required close monitoring and adjustments for traffic control and site security. 听
For Construction Project Manager Joe Zimmerman, the project was personal.
鈥淔or me, this project hits especially close to home. In April of 2010, my 5-year-old niece Ava was killed in a similar accident in Greendale, WI. A statue stands near the site in her memory,鈥� Joe said. 鈥淭he tunnel here at Spencer Lake feels like a parallel tribute鈥攁 permanent, physical reminder to protect our most vulnerable and to remain vigilant behind the wheel.鈥�
Throughout design and construction, one of Michels鈥� Core Values stayed at the forefront.
鈥淚n every project we do, we incorporate safety. It鈥檚 in our culture,鈥� said Brian Ring, Project Manager. 鈥淔or this project in particular, the entirety of it was to keep kids safe in the crossings of this roadway. We kept that in mind throughout the entire project.鈥�
During the design phase, Spencer Lake staff expressed the need to construct the tunnel following Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance. The entrance of the tunnel stands 13 feet below grade, which made compliance difficult given the worksite鈥檚 small area. 51社区placed 470 feet of ADA-compliant switchback walkway to connect the original grade with the tunnel access points.
In honor of Lilly, the victim of the 2019 accident at the camp, three lilies mark the entrance of the tunnel. She has since made a full recovery and cut the ribbon at the ceremony. More than 600 campers walked through the tunnel to commemorate its opening.
鈥淚t鈥檚 heartwarming to witness a community come together for a cause that means so much, not just to Lilly鈥檚 family, but to countless others,鈥� Joe said. This project has reminded me that we all have a role in promoting pedestrian safety. Put the phones down. Pay attention. Watch out for each other.鈥�
