UPDATE 9/15/2023. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail has reopened. The bridge project is complete.
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The Cedar Valley Nature Trail will be closed between Frost Ave south of Brandon in Buchanan County and 51st Street in Benton County starting July 5. The closure is necessary to replace a deteriorating bridge over Bear Creek that was slated for replacement later this year. “Our contractor informed us of an opportunity to move this bridge project up a few months ahead of the original schedule,” said Randy Burke, Linn County Conservation Outdoor Recreation Planner. “We anticipate this project to be completed by early fall.“ stated Burke.
The Bear Creek Bridge, located at the Benton/Buchanan county line, was built in 1913 as a WCF&N railroad bridge. The new concrete span bridge will widen in space and additionally improve creek flow and drainage below. The $606,500 project is funded by Linn County Conservation and Destination Iowa funding.
Linn County Conservation manages the Cedar Valley Nature Trail portions in unincorporated Linn and Benton Counties. The public’s patience is appreciated during this trail improvement project.