Repaving of 6 miles of Sauk Rail Trail from just east of Maple River Junction to Swan Lake State Park was expected to start this week.
The current trail is asphalt, built in the 1980s and ’90s, and the new surface will be concrete.
The $1,574,340 contract for the project was awarded to Howrey Construction of Rockwell City, which also rebuilt the 3.8-mile trail in Swan Lake State Park about eight years ago.
Same as the Swan Lake project, a subcontractor for Howrey will grind up the existing asphalt, which will be used as a 3- or 4-inch base for the concrete, which will be 5 inches thick and 8 feet wide, same as the current width.
The contract calls for the project to be completed in 50 working days, which would take it to sometime in August.
Carroll County Conservation Director Jason Christensen said although the project will mean some disruption for bicyclists, walkers and runners who use the trail, the work will be done all at one time rather than sections taking multiple time periods.
“It’s going to be an inconvenience one time, but then hopefully it will be good for a lot of years,” Christensen said.
He added, “It’s unfortunate it’s happening in the middle of summer, but we have to get it done when we can get it done. But it will be nice when it’s finished.”
The original asphalt has deteriorated a number of places, causing rough stretches and posing potential hazards.
Christensen said the concrete trail around Swan Lake has remained in very good condition.
When the latest project is completed the entire 33 miles around Swan Lake and to Black Hawk State Park at Lake View in Sac County will be concrete.
Carroll County Conservation has received strong financial support for the project through private and business donations, grants, and funding from Carroll County and the City of Carroll.
That support includes: federal COVID-19 Relief Recreational Trails Grant, $900,000; $362,000 private and business donations; $100,000 each from Carroll County and the City of Carroll; Grow Greene County grant from gaming proceeds, $35,000; and Pella Rolscreen Foundation, $25,000.
“It’s been outstanding, the number of people (supporting the project), people who have given to previous trail projects and are giving again,” Christensen said. “That just shows how much community support we have for the trail system and how much people want it to be nice. (The trail) is good for the community, and brings people to town, too.”
Christensen said donations to Carroll County Conservation Foundation are welcomed to help with the project. Funds from Conservation’s capital-projects budget will be used to make up any difference between funds available and the project cost. Donations for the trail go into a separate fund just for trail needs, he said.