As a result of a 2019 pedestrian-vehicle collision that left a young girl with severe injuries, Michels 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’s opening. Michels led construction of the tunnel, which will allow the camp’s 12,000 annual visitors to safely cross a busy highway.
Michels 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.
For Construction Project Manager Joe Zimmerman, the project was personal.
“For 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,” Joe said. “The tunnel here at Spencer Lake feels like a parallel tribute—a permanent, physical reminder to protect our most vulnerable and to remain vigilant behind the wheel.”
Throughout design and construction, one of Michels’ Core Values stayed at the forefront.
“In every project we do, we incorporate safety. It’s in our culture,” said Brian Ring, Project Manager. “For 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.”
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’s small area. Michels 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.
“It’s heartwarming to witness a community come together for a cause that means so much, not just to Lilly’s family, but to countless others,” 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.”
