High Trestle Trail bridge scheduled to open April 30

Mon August 30 2010
Posted Aug 31, 2010
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By Kevin Kirkpatrick One of the largest trail bridges in the country is set to open next year in central Iowa. A grand-opening ceremony for the half-mile-long bridge and High Trestle Trail is scheduled for April 30. "Discover a New View" has been selected as a theme for the April celebration. The theme also is the tagline for the trail's logo. Both the bridge and the trail are in the final stages of construction, said Ann Robinson, spokeswoman for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. "The trail is almost finished," Robinson said. "The big part left is finishing the bridge, putting approaches on either side of the bridge and adding the artwork." Construction is expected to continue throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall, Robinson said. The bridge will not be open until construction is complete. Trail users are asked to respect signs throughout the construction zone. When complete, the trail and bridge will service walkers, bikers and horses, Robinson said. According to its website, High Trestle Trail, which stretches from 23 miles between Ankeny and Woodward, was named to honor the original trestle bridge over the Des Moines River and highlight the contemporary architecture of the new bridge. The bridge rises 13 stories. Visitors will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view from six overlooks, Robinson said. The artist who designed enhancements for the bridge used the area's coal-mining history as a source of inspiration. Over the last eight years, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a statewide nonprofit group, has joined with the conservation boards of Polk, Boone, Dallas and Story counties on the project, as well as representatives from Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward to develop the trail. These representatives continue to meet periodically to discuss the trail and plan for its grand opening, said Liz Neumann, chairwoman of the High Trestle Trail celebration committee. Neumann said each town along the route is planning local festivities in conjunction with the trail opening. Details of each community's event have not been completed. "The towns realize this is a great opportunity to showcase their communities," Neumann said. For more information about the trail and its 2011 grand opening, visit www. hightrestletrail.info. Contributions to help develop trail amenities can be given through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation at www.inhf.org.