MADISON - The State Building Commission on Wednesday approved $221,500
to replace the deck on 11 Elroy-Sparta State Trail bridges from
October through May 2011.

The trail's 33 bridges and three tunnels were re-planked in the 1970s
just after the state acquired the 32-mile abandon railroad grade.

While bridge components have received minor repairs over the years,
use by bikers, hikers and especially snowmobilers have worn out the
decking, said John Hagman, facilities manager for the state Department
of Natural Resources.

Not all the bridges will be out of service at the same time, but some
detours and "disruptions" will occur during construction, he said.

Contractors will be hired to repair or replace stonework supporting
the bridges, but the decking work will be done by DNR staff who "are
pretty sensitive to local (trail) users," Hagman said.

Bids for the State Stewardship Fund-financed project will be let in
August.

The Elroy-Sparta trail also passes through the villages of Kendall,
Wilton and Norwalk and links with the La Crosse River, Great River,
400 State, Hillsboro State and Juneau County Omaha trails.

Posted in Local, Govt-and-politics on Thursday, April 29, 2010 12:00
am | Tags: Bike Trail