The Great Western Trail will be closed an additional week from August 18 - 29th.
The trail WAS supposed to be back open on August 18th, but rain has delayed the project.
The area needs to be dry enough to prepare the trail sub-base.
Ben Cole, and engineer with the City of Des Moines states "They are sorry for the delay in opening of the trail and they will get it constructed correctly and as quickly as possible."
The contractor will be liable for $1,000 per day beginning on August 23rd so we expect them to be working around the clock to get the project completed, so please STAY OFF that part of the trail.
Look for updates here. If we continue to get rain, the trail closure may be extended.
Why is the Trail closed?
A new tunnel was built for the GWT in anticipation of when the Army Post bridge was torn down earlier in the month. This closure is to re-route the trail through the new tunnel.
Is there a Detour?
Yes, there are ways around the closed area using McKinley Ave. Use
Google Maps to view alternative routes if you need to use the trail that week.