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Sections of Southern Illinois Trail Damaged in Storms Last Winter
VIENNA, ILL. – The first phase of repairs have been completed on sections of the Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois that had sustained significant damage in a series of storms last winter, allowing access to the entire length of the trail from Harrisburg to the Cache River Wetlands Center.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) crews have been working on repairs to sections of the trail since a series of storms last February and March resulted in flash flooding, ice and tree damage all along the 45-mile trail.
Last February 2, heavy rains and flash flooding caused significant damage to the trail between Harrisburg and the trail headquarters in Vienna. On February 11, an ice storm resulted in further trail damage and downed trees on and along the trail. Heavy rainfall on March 18 again caused widespread damage along the trail.
From the time that the storm damages occurred, IDNR crews have been making repairs to the trail surface and removing trees and debris from the trail. Surface repairs have made areas of the trail useable, though sections of the trail surface remain rough. Bicyclists are encouraged to use extra caution and to be prepared for possible tire problems due to the rough surface. As always, trail visitors should use caution at all times when visiting IDNR sites.
For information regarding trail conditions, call the Tunnel Hill State Trail headquarters at 618/658-2168 or visit the Tunnel Hill State Trail webpage on the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us.
