TheCemar Trailis a 3.5 mile project that will connect uptownMarionto downtown Cedar Rapids, giving trail users a new and safer experience. Project organizers and locals say this is a project that has been highly anticipated."You're within Marion and Cedar Rapids, but you're going to be a step off of your traditional traffic," says Kesha Billings, Associate Planner with the City of Marion.
The project is split into 5 phases. Currently, the Boyson Trail is closed off north of Thomas Park. Crews will work on reconstruction of the railroad bridge over Indian Creek, giving bikers, joggers and walkers a chance to cross the busy Marion boulevard. Trails will be paved between Thomas and Legion Park. And lastly, an extension will be constructed, north of Highway 100 near Menards, all the way to Cedar Rapids.
"I can't say enough how big of a project this is. I mean it is more than three miles long not only how physically big it is, but how awesome of a connection," say Billings.
The largest part of the project, the reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge over Marion boulevard. Crews say this will take the most amount of time.
"That same bridge structure, putting it back up in place and using it as a trail bridge," says Billings.
Local bike riders say they are excited to have more designated areas for cycling.