Wood Boardwalk & Guard Rail Installation at Liberty Mills Trail

Project Overview

When the Liberty Mills trail corridor in Fort Wayne needed a safe, durable pedestrian crossing over an active creek, Gleave Construction delivered a solution built to last. The project called for a wide, elevated wood boardwalk spanning the waterway, complete with pressure-treated lumber framing and welded wire mesh guardrail panels on both sides. The goal was straightforward: create a stable, code-compliant crossing that fit naturally into the surrounding trail environment while giving pedestrians a secure passage across the water below.

Gleave Construction handled the full scope — from post setting and deck framing to the custom wire infill panels — applying the same craftsmanship that has defined their commercial work across Fort Wayne for over 50 years.

Project Gallery

Why This Design Worked

Building a pedestrian crossing over an active waterway demands materials and methods that hold up under constant moisture, seasonal flooding, and Northeast Indiana’s freeze–thaw cycles. Pressure-treated lumber was the clear choice for every structural component — posts, beams, framing, and deck boards — resisting the rot that would degrade untreated wood within a few seasons. Guardrail posts are through-bolted directly to the deck frame rather than toe-nailed, creating a rigid connection that won’t loosen over time from traffic, movement, or seasonal expansion.

The welded wire mesh infill panels between the guardrail posts were equally well-suited to the setting. Unlike solid wood panels, the open mesh lets air and water pass through freely, reducing lateral load on the span and eliminating trapped moisture against the framing. It also keeps the sightline open — users can see down to the creek and through to the trail on either side — so the structure feels connected to its surroundings rather than walled off.

Standout Features

Elevated Creek Crossing

The boardwalk is fully elevated above an active stream, supported by a post-and-beam substructure set into the creek banks with stone riprap placed along the shoreline for erosion control. The wide deck width accommodates comfortable two-way pedestrian flow and is compatible with maintenance and utility access if needed.

Welded Wire Mesh Guardrail Panels

Each guardrail bay features welded wire mesh panels tensioned between pressure-treated wood posts and capped with a smooth top rail. The mesh provides the required fall protection height while keeping the visual profile light and natural — a practical safety feature that doesn’t overpower the trail setting.

Through-Bolt Post Construction

Guardrail posts are through-bolted to the outer joist framing with stainless hardware, creating a rigid, permanent connection on both sides of the deck. This construction method ensures the guardrails don’t flex or loosen under lateral loading, which is critical for a public structure that sees daily use.

Wide Deck Clearance

The deck boards span a generous clear width, making the crossing accessible and comfortable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists sharing the trail. Deck boards are laid flat with consistent spacing for positive drainage, preventing water from pooling and accelerating wear.

The Finished Result

The completed Liberty Mills boardwalk is a sturdy, well-proportioned crossing that fits naturally into the trail corridor. Pedestrians now have a safe, well-guarded passage over the creek with a wide, stable deck underfoot and solid guardrails on both sides. The pressure-treated lumber will hold up through Indiana winters without significant maintenance, and the wire mesh infill keeps the structure feeling open while meeting safety requirements.

For Gleave Construction, this project is a clear example of commercial craftsmanship applied to public infrastructure — the same post-setting precision, hardware quality, and attention to long-term durability they bring to every fence and railing job in Northeast Indiana, scaled up for a span crossing that hundreds of trail users will rely on for years.

Interested in a Similar Project?

Gleave Construction builds commercial wood fences, guard rails, and custom structures across Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. Get a free on-site estimate from a team that has been doing this for over 50 years.

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