Below is a Press Release from Mi-Trale, the ORV club in our area. This is great news to hear the old bridge is going to be replaced not only to benefit ORVs but also snowmobiles as well. Thank You Mi-Trale.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
MI-TRALE Receives $363,630 in ORV Funded Grants
Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (MI-TRALE), would like to announce that we have been granted maintenance and Special Grant funds of $363,630 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These funds are to be spent prior to September of 2020. All of these funds come directly from the ORV license/permit fees received in Michigan. Without this source of revenue these projects would not be possible. It should be noted that between 2015 to 2018 MI-TRALE put over $632,000 back into our trail system using local contractors whenever possible to ensure that our trails remain safe to ride.
Project Summary for 2019:
- Spring and fall maintenance of all 300+ miles of DNR Designated Routes/trails
- Grading of 90 miles of trails. These will be selected based on spring trail conditions.
- The replacement of the bridge located on the West Branch of the Ontonagon River, just east of Bergland.
The bridge replacement is a major project, which will replace an old iron beam bridge that collapsed in 2013. MI-TRALE made sure the new bridge was designed for shared use (ATV/Snowmobile). This project will be managed by Coleman Engineering Company in Ironwood, Michigan, and MI-TRALE.
The new bridge will connect the Pioneer Trail to the SB Route eliminating a couple miles of road and highway travel for ATV’s, which is always MI-TRALE’s safety goal.
Here are some photos for you historians. The bridge failed in spring of 2013.
Bergland Bridge Before Failure
Bergland Bridge After Failure
Maintenance grant money is to insure MI-TRALE can keep the DNR trails maintained properly. Throughout the year we keep the trails signed, holes filled, bridge boards replaced, and culverts clear of debris. We also need to brush the trails to a specific width, keep the signs in place, and keep intersections and bridges clear as well.
There are always projects being added throughout the season, so if you have TIME to DONATE
PLEASE CALL, 906-827-3208
Thank you!