New Bike Bridge in Akely

The Akeley segment of the Heartland State Trail is closed temporarily while the old railroad trestle across the Crow Wing River is replaced with a new steel truss bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.    The DNR says there is no efficient alternate route around the construction area.

The trail will essentially come to a dead end at Akeley,  according to Dave Schotzko, area supervisor for the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails.  He says there is no short, safe, bike-friendly way around the project. 

The Heartland State Trail extends for many miles on both sides of Akeley, so hikers, bikers, and inline skaters are encouraged to explore those portions of the trail until the bridge construction is complete.

The new bridge will be 160 feet long and feature hand-railings and a concrete deck, and should be complete by December.