Tunnel construction to begin for Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail

Gladen Construction Inc. of Laporte was awarded the bid to construct a tunnel under U.S. Hwy. 71. This is part of phase 1 of the Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail, a multi-purpose, paved trail between Itasca State Park and the Heartland Trail.

Projected tree clearing for the project is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2023.

Installation of the 12-by-12-foot boxed culvert tunnel is expected to begin on Sept. 5, 2023, with completion no later than Oct. 7, 2023.

Safe access routes to Minnesota’s most popular park have long been a priority, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers this a “destination trail.”

This trail would increase outdoor opportunities for cyclists, walkers, snowmobilers, families and children, including both local residents, who are active trail users, and visitors to this region.

For more than a decade, a citizen-led committee has been actively developing a plan for the Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail with input from a variety of stakeholders. The trail will be located primarily in county and state-owned lands, showcasing the abundant natural and cultural resources of the region.

In 2020, the Minnesota Legislature included $2 million in its bonding bill for engineering and design of the trail segment located within Itasca State Park and for construction of a trail tunnel under U.S. Hwy. 71.

When additional funds are available, the second phase of trail construction will continue 13 miles east to Emmaville on county land. The third phase will go south eight miles from Emmaville on a county road right-of-way to the intersection with the Heartland Trail, where a trailhead would be constructed.