"This road/stream crossing replacement is the fifth of seven projects in the Thunder Bay River Watershed slated for completion by 2026." - Josh Leisen, Senior Project Manager

A new timber bridge now carries Hall Road over the Thunder Bay River, seven miles east of Atlanta in Montmorency County. The 2023 project restored natural river flow and opened 39 miles of upstream habitat for fish passage—the second-largest connectivity project in Huron Pines history. The improved crossing also benefits paddlers who previously had to portage around or squeeze through the old culverts.

Surveyed in 2018 by Huron Pines AmeriCorps member Tyler Dula, this intersection of river and road was marked as a high priority for improvement due to its significant impact on fish passage and water quality in the Thunder Bay River watershed. The three original undersized culverts beneath Hall Road restricted the Thunder Bay River's natural flow, causing erosion and creating fast-flowing water, which kept native brook trout and other species from reaching important upstream habitats. The upper Thunder Bay River is an important fishery for brook trout, as well as brown and rainbow trout that are especially sensitive to habitat being cut off or fragmented by fast currents. 

When visiting the site, you will notice the erosion control called “rip rap” used to protect the bank beneath the bridge. These rocks play an important role in protecting infrastructure and preserving the river’s banks. As the river depth naturally rises and falls throughout the seasons, the rock rip rap helps to protect the bridge and ensure its lifespan. 

The improvement of this site would not have been possible without support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-National Fish Passage Program, Walters Family Foundation, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, U.S. EPA, Michigan DNR Fisheries Division, Montmorency County Road Commission, Huron Engineering and Surveying, and MacArthur Construction.