OWANECO, Ill. (WAND) — Construction is underway on the Flat Branch Trail Bridge Project, and it won't be long before the bridge will be open.
"The bridge closed in 2015 because it became structurally unsafe," explained Terry Baker, Board Chairman of Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy. "We got a grant and got the ball rolling to get that bridge replaced!"
The Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy was formed in 2017, to advocate for the Trail and make improvements.
"We needed it to be maintained, cleaned, and things like that..." added Baker.
The LPTC held an informational meeting Saturday morning to discuss improvements made, repairs that still need to be done, and ideas on how to make the trail more recreational.
The 14.6-mile asphalt paved bike/hike rail-trail connects the cities of Pana and Taylorville. One of the major improvements to the new bridge is it's weight capacity. Now, it will hold up to 20,000 pounds to accommodate for ambulances if hikers need medical assistance.
Other improvements include an ADA accessible parking lot, water stations, and bike racks.
The Bridge Project and trail hope to not only increase tourism and recreation in the surrounding cities, but bring an economic boost to the communities.
"It's going to bring in a lot of people that probably wouldn't come to this area!" said Baker with a smile. "It's going to demonstrate to the public how nice these communities are!"
Once the bridge is restored and completed, it will make the trail better, safer, and, longer.
The LPTC expects to open the bridge up by the end of May.
For more information, or to volunteer to be a part of the project, click here.
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