Here is the March 2020 update from the DNR about various construction and other projects along the trail:
DNR Report and Updates:
Rachel Henzen, DNR – As noted below: this report was written in early March 2020, some projects are likely to be delayed due to Minnesota COVID closures.
• 35E/Maryland Ave Reroute – We are working through some wetland issues that will impact design. Construction is likely to take place sometime next year.
• Sewer Project – The City of St Paul has mostly completed the project behind Kmart and the trail has reopened. The project area still requires some touchup work that the City will complete this spring. In addition, since that section of trail hasn’t been opened for two years we’ll be working with the City to clean up the trail from Cayuga St to L’Orient St.
• Westminster Bridge – The project to replace the bridge and repair the trail should begin sometime this fall.
• Hadley Ave interchange – The trail and roads are open. We’ll be doing a final inspection this spring to evaluate how everything turned out and will likely add some signage.
• Brown’s Creek culvert in Stillwater – We have sent out a second bid this spring to have the failing culvert replaced. Depending on the weather the project should be completed by the end of June.
• Rush Line – We are continuing to meet with Ramsey County as plans move forward for the Rush Line. This will likely impact the trail at the intersection with the Bruce Vento. As we learn more we’ll pass information along.
• Aiple Park – We are working with the City of Stillwater as they plan for the future Aiple Park and determining how Brown’s Creek fits into the park. (This is the property just north of Stillwater between the trail and the river.)
• Candlelight Events – Thanks to everyone that came to the Gateway candlelight hike in January. It was definitely a record outing with somewhere between 800-900 attendees. If it continues to be that popular in the future, we will certainly need to recruit more volunteers.
o 2020-2021 dates: Brown’s Creek – October 16, 2020, Gateway – January 22, 2021
• Brown’s Creek trail use counter – On Sunday March 8, we had 785 people go by the counter. By comparison, we didn’t even make it over 550/day in 2019 until 4/19!
• Extension Update - The Gateway Extension connection between William O’Brien State Park and the City of Scandia has gained some momentum this legislative session. Advocates, with technical assistance from DNR, are working hard to secure funding for continued design and construction of this approximately 3-mile segment of trail. DNR and local partners continue to pursue opportunities to purchase private land easements south of the park, including a few easements that are currently working their way through the real estate acquisition process.
• COVID-19 Update – Please be aware that all of the updates above assume normal operations without COVID-19 impacts. Unfortunately, the virus will have an impact on our operations especially as we try our best to implement social distancing for both our staff and public. Our highest priority at this point is the safety and health of both the public and DNR employees. If you have questions or concerns at any time feel free to email me (rachel.henzen@state.mn.us) as we’re not sure how much longer we’ll be working in our offices. I’d also ask for your patience as we enter this unknown and challenging time.
• Our Deepest Sympathies - Our thoughts go out to the families of John Oldendorf and Bill Berger during these difficult times. We appreciate all their work over the years for the Gateway and Brown’s Creek State Trails.
