Gorgeous New Cedar Rapids Bridge Would Take Bikers & Walkers Over Cedar River

At a time when some historic covered bridges in Iowa have been under attack by arsonists, a new bridge that pays homage to Iowa's rich history with covered bridges could be built in Cedar Rapids. This one wouldn't be used for motorized vehicles, though.

The bridge would be called the Biechler Bridge, in honor of Dan Biecher, Linn County's Conservation Director. Linn County Board of Supervisors Chairman Brent Oleson tells me the bridge would be for a new trail that would begin along 42nd Street, near Xavier High School. It would cross the Cedar River close to Highway 100 (near Xavier High) and extend to Palo's Morgan Creek Park, and eventually further south to Fairfax.

When built, the bridge will utilize abutments already in place from an old bridge over the river. The idea is for trails to eventually create a loop, crossing the Cedar River further downstream at another new bridge in the works. This one is known as the Sleeping Giant:

Oleson says he hopes construction on the trail and bridge could start in 2020 with it being open the following year. Whenever it opens I believe the bikers, and walkers will flock to it.

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[via KWWL and Linn County Supervisors]