Walking Trail
Minneota Walking Trail Project (2004)
Innovative Steel Bridges
Project DescriptionSeveral years ago the Minneota Rotary Club envisioned developing a trail around the perimeter of Minneota for walking as well as other modes of recreation. The Yellow
Medicine River Watershed District (YMRWD) supported the vision and subsequently applied for a National Recreation Trail Program Grant through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assist with funding the Minneota Trail Project. In 2002 the YMRWD was awarded a 50/50 Matching Grant whereby the DNR would pay 50% of the proposed $196,153 of trail construction costs to install approximately 1.6 miles of hard surface trail, including two bridges. As part of an agreement with YMRWD, the City of Minneota agreed to take over maintenance and care of the walking trail upon its completion as well as contribute $34,000 to the project. Trail construction and installation of the bridges were completed in the fall of 2004, after which time the City accepted responsibility for the future maintenance and upkeep of the walking trail.Bridge Innovation
As part of the project Minneota resident Bill Drown volunteered to over see the acquisition or construction of the two (2) bridges that would be needed where the walking trail crosses the Yellow Medicine River. Mr. Drown came up with an innovative idea to solve the expensive problem of having to purchase ready-made bridges or even design and fabricate new bridge structures. Bill suggested using steel framed shipping crates for the superstructure of each bridge. The crates he had in mind were actually manufactured for the purpose of transporting wind generator propeller blades. Drown was able to obtain two (2) steel crates from a wind power company that measured 11.5’Wide, 9.5’High, and 105’ Long. It was determined that the crates were large enough and sturdy enough to span the Yellow Medicine River and were subsequently placed in two (2) different locations where the walking trail crossed the river. The steel structures were mounted on concrete abutments (piers) and wooden planks were bolted to the bottom of the frame to create the bridge deck. One of the bridges has since been painted and completely covered with new steel roof using volunteer help and donated materials as well as the assistance of the City Maintenance Staff. Plans are to paint and cover the second bridge in 2007.
The total cost of each crate was only $4,150, which included $400 for the actual steel crate frame and $3,750 to transport and unload each unit at the trail site. The cost to custom build two (2) steel bridges would have been extremely expensive. Mr. Drown’s innovative idea saved thousands of dollars and allowed the project to be completed within the proposed budget amount. The Minneota Walking Trail project has been a huge success and has been a positive recreational health benefit to Minneotans as well as area enthusiasts. People can be seen walking, strolling, running, biking and even roller blading on the trail regularly during most seasons of the year. Needless to say, the portion of the trail that passes over the river and through the woods is very picturesque.
Trail Map
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Minneota Bike Trails - 15x15