Carle Wagon Road

January 13, 2018

Carle Wagon Road

BCHA Alaska built two sustainable wooden bridges across previously impassable water crossings on the Carle Wagon Trail in the Government Peak Recreation Area. This project was completed in the summer of 2017. The bridges were designed by Mike Shields, built by BCHA and the Mat-Su Borough Trail Crew, and funded by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation.

The bridges are suitable for pedestrian and horse traffic. These bridges will allow greater access to areas of the east of the current Government Peak trails. BCHA is working with the Mat-Su Borough Trails Department to develop trails beyond the bridges for horse traffic specifically and for pedestrian traffic secondarily. The bridges have allowed us to get to areas where trails are sustainable for riding horses. This area will be open to horse and non-motorized hikers.

We had volunteers from numerous sources besides BCHA members. Mike Shields volunteered to help design and build the bridges. Soloy Helicopters transported bridge materials and gravel from a staging area. Central Gravel provided gravel and loaded Super Sacks. Lucas Parker provided equipment and time.

Bridge designer Mike Shields on the first bridge on Carle Wagon Road

Bridge designer Mike Shields and Crew Chief Allen on the second bridge on Carle Wagon Road

Bridge designer Mike Shields and crew that built the second bridge on the Carle Wagon Road

Bridge designer Mike Shields at the pier of the second bridge on Carle Wagon Road

Bridge designer Mike Shields leveling the pier of the second bridge on Carle Wagon Road

Mat-Su Borough Trails crew building the second bridge on the Carle Wagon Road