Work is happening on all three segments of the long-sought recreational trail that will connect Sioux City to Le Mars, Iowa, and two segments could be done by spring.

The northmost segment from Le Mars south to Merrill looks finished, but it is not properly smooth, PlyWood Trail committee member Mark Sturgeon said Friday.

Sturgeon said PlyWood Trail officials are in negotiations with Godberson Smith contractors to work out needed smoothing tweaks, which will take a few more months.

He said a ribbon cutting for that segment will likely happen in the spring. Sturgeon said Plywood Trail officials can’t officially prevent the bicyclists who have been using that segment by Le Mars.

Additionally, the south segment from Sioux City to Hinton is proceeding very speedily, so it may also be done by spring instead of the October 2025 deadline, which Sturgeon praised.

He said the middle segment from Merrill to Hinton will be finished last. Trail officials are applying for a grant to pay for that pricey piece, which is not likely to be finished in 2025.

The PlyWood Trail is named after the two counties it connects, Plymouth and Woodbury. The trail costing at least $23 million is being funded with grants and private contributions, and much of it is in proximity of U.S. Highway 75.