Linn County Conservation seeks feedback on Highway 100 Trail bridge

CEDAR RAPIDS — Linn County Conservation is looking for feedback on a trail bridge over the Cedar River.

The Highway 100 Trail is being planned to extend from 42nd Street NE near Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids through the Rock Island Botanical Preserve to the Cedar River. It would follow the Highway 100 right of way, connecting northeast Cedar Rapids to northwest Cedar Rapids and also connecting to the Cedar Rapids trail system.

That route requires a pedestrian/biking bridge over the Cedar River, and conservation officials are considering using the abandoned Milwaukee Road Bridge as a base.

They’re now asking the public what they think of the idea. The Highway 100 Trail survey is linked on Linn County Conservation’s website and is open until 5 p.m. Oct. 14.

“We’re at the point right now to study and see what we can do,” said Ryan Schlader, Linn Conservation community outreach specialist. “There are some existing piers and abutments from the railroad, and we are asking if we can repurpose them.”

The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization awarded Linn County Conservation money to study possibilities for the old railroad bridge. Part of that study includes asking the public what kind of bridge they’d like to see.

“Should we start with a new bridge?” Schlader asked. “It will be a substantial effort with partners, but we want to keep the momentum moving. But it will take some time.”

What’s the best use of the remaining bridge piers? What should a trail bridge look like? What features should be included with the trail itself?

Schlader said the new trail will provide a connection with a large population base around Xavier High School and eventually extend to Morgan Creek Park. From there, the Highway 100 Trail will connect to the Cherokee Trail and continue to Cherry Hill Park and into Cedar Rapids.

The Highway 100 Trail is now in the engineering and planning stages and “has been talked about for a decade,” Schlader said. “We want something that is functional, and we have different options for design. There will be big decisions coming up.”

No timeline or cost estimates have been made yet, though Schlader expects the project will cost several million dollars.

“We have a few years before we can get a bridge established, but the (conservation) board is interested in sooner rather than later if we can get funding in place,” he said. “That’s where the survey is a player. Depending on funding and what the public wants, we will then have options.”

The conservation board also sees the Highway 100 Trail having the potential to create an outdoor recreation destination in Linn County, similar to the High Trestle Trail Bridge near the Des Moines metro area.

“There are some great pedestrian bridges that are a big destination and tourist attraction,” Schlader said. “And Linn County is becoming an outdoor recreation destination, and the community wants to keep that enthusiasm going now.”

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