Wisconsin River Recreational Bridge
May 8 2025 Celebration of Progress
One of the Bike Fed’s Priority Projects, “The Great Sauk State Trail to Walking Iron Rail-to-Trail Connection,” took one step closer to reality in spring 2025.
On Thursday, May 8, leaders from a host of state and local organizations came together to celebrate the Wisconsin River Recreational Bridge. Acknowledging the work of so many stakeholders, and emphasizing the economic benefit to the state, were the main themes of the afternoon’s speakers.
The bridge metaphor was not lost on anyone. Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers, and Sauk County Board Supervisor Marty Krueger all pointed out that this bridge would not have been funded without a bridge of partnership between so many diverse stakeholder groups. County Executive Agard said, “This bridge is an important point of connectivity, and building bridges makes us stronger.”
Governor Evers and Secretary Sayers echoed the symbolic nature of the bridge and also provided economic context. Secretary Sayers said that tourism is a 25 billion dollar industry in the state, and trails like this help the number grow. Ever understated, Governor Evers said, “This is a big deal.” He went on to note that although this was a big investment, it will pay long term dividends for the health of the community and the local quality of life in addition to the financial boon.
The bridge is expected to be complete in 2026.
Enjoy these photos from the event:
