Old iron beam bridge to get update

ONTONAGON - Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment received a grant for $363,630 to complete upcoming trail projects.

Linda Schulz, secretary and special project coordinator for MI-TRALE, said the money will be used to replace an "old iron beam bridge" that collapsed in 2013 and a couple other projects scheduled for 2019.

"We were there one and the next day we were there to finish up our project and the bridge fell in overnight," she said.

Schulz said MI-TRALE has been applying for grants to repair the bridge ever since it became unusable.

Located East of Bergland on the West Branch of the Ontonagon River, the new bridge will connect the Pioneer Trail to the south bound route. It will eliminate a couple miles of road and highway travel for trail users, she said.

The bridge will also enable trail users to stay on public land, Schulz said.

"It'll take them out of some private land owners who have had about enough of the loud noise and snowmobiles," she said. "It'll just be a good thing for all of us."

The approximately $250,000 project makes use of funds originating from license and permit fees received in Michigan. Coleman Engineering Company in Ironwood along with MI-TRALE are managing the project, she added.

Other projects the group is undertaking during 2019 are to grade 90 miles of trails and conduct spring and fall maintenance of 300 plus miles of Department of Natural Resources designated routes.

With over 300 members belonging to MI-TRALE, Schulz said it takes a dedicated core group of volunteers to keep the trails in riding condition.

"It's so worth it for our area," Schulz said.

The group adds projects throughout the season and encourages anyone who would like to volunteer to contact Schulz at 906-827-3208

-Bryan Hellios