Taylorville, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A pedestrian and bike bridge said to connect some Central Illinois communities is one an area group carved out a path to, after the original bridge had to close ten years ago.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, community leaders, and the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy cut a ribbon Tuesday marking the opening of the Lincoln Prairie Trail Bridge, about a month after it opened.  This new bridge along Route 29 connects Taylorville, Pana, and Owaneco, among other areas.  It’s southeast of Taylorville along Route 29 and over Flat Branch, a tributary of the Sangamon River.

The conservancy has long worked for the moment it officially opened, said Terry Baker, its board chairperson.

“It will make a great destination for people to come and visit,” said Baker.  “It’s the perfect sized trail — 14.2 miles in total, perfect for a day trip, and it really benefits all the communities along the trail.”

As for why it took ten years to come to opening day, Baker says there were a number of reasons, from COVID-19 to construction delays, along with securing the $1.1 million in funding to build it, 90 percent of which came from IDOT.

“It requires vision, a whole lot of perseverance, collaboration, some funding, and partnership.  I really think partnership is the marker of this project’s success,” said Gia Biagi, acting IDOT Secretary.

Taylorville Alderman Steve Dennis says the two communities and others stand to benefit economically — if use the last month or so is any indication.

“(Monday), I met a dad with what looked to be about a five-year-old, walking on the trail, riding his bike,” said Dennis, recently elected to the city council.  “Dad said proudly, ‘He learned to ride last week.'”

More additions like water fountains with bowls for dogs are soon expected to come.

The IDOT money came through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.