BAY CITY, MI — The Boys and Girls Club of the Great Lakes Bay Region recently provided the crews working on the M-13/M-84 (Lafayette Street) bridge replacement project in Bay City, Michigan, with a picnic lunch to show their appreciation.
Located on the Middle Grounds Island next to the bridge, the Boys and Girls Club has a front row seat for the ongoing demolition and future construction.
"We've seen the bridge disappear, and we've seen lots of big machines and lots of loud noises, and it formulated a lot of questions and curiosity within our members," said Gib Garcia, local Boys and Girls Club Director. "It's a great opportunity for them to learn about what's going on."
The club's Torch Club group organized the lunch event to give back to the crews they see working outside every day and to learn more about what they do. According to Garcia, the Torch Club is a "club within a club" that works together to implement public service projects.
For the workers, the chance to enjoy a warm meal and cold air conditioning was a welcome break and an opportunity to meet their neighbors at the Boys and Girls Club.
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"They actually said it was all the kids' ideas to cook us lunch for the day," said Rorey Garner, a worker with contractor Granite and Kraemer. "I think it's great that they were nice enough to invite us in. They're great neighbors, and we couldn't ask for anything better."
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing approximately $113.6 million to demolish and replace the structure. Work began in December 2024 to remove the bridge. Once demolition is complete, crews will begin building the new structure. The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2027.
MDOT, Granite and Kraemer, and the Boys and Girls Club will continue to partner throughout this project to provide educational opportunities and to connect with the community.
"I think this is just going to be the beginning of a good relationship," Garcia said. "We are definitely going to provide more opportunities to get to know those workers."
