Access and seasonal restrictions
Both crossings are accessible from Sauk City. The approximately 500-foot new bridge carries the route across the Wisconsin River's main channel, while the refurbished trestle crosses a side channel near Dane County.
Together, the crossings will link Sauk County's 11.5-mile Great Sauk State Trail to the 3-mile Walking Iron Trail in Dane County. That trail remains under construction, with completion scheduled for fall 2027.
Sauk County says the new bridge will remain closed to snowmobiles during the 2026-2027 season, with snowmobile access to begin the following year.
A new span and a restored trestle
The Wisconsin River Recreational Bridge & Trail project combines new construction with the restoration of a railroad trestle more than a century old. The old railroad bridge across the main channel was removed in 2018; the span that opened this November replaces it.
Pullouts on the new bridge give visitors space to pause and watch nature away from the trail. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the crossing overlooks the 92-mile Lower Wisconsin Riverway, whose diverse ecosystem has international recognition.
Construction of the Phase 1 bridge portion began in January 2025. County representatives estimated the project's cost at about $10 million.
Hoodline, citing funding records referenced by the Wisconsin Bike Fed, reported an October 2023 Transportation Alternatives grant award of $5,587,672. Dane and Sauk counties also each made an initial contribution of $2 million.
The remaining trail work
Sauk County identifies completion of the Walking Iron Trail as Phase II. The 3-mile rail-to-trail conversion will extend the route from the new bridge to an improved trailhead parking lot on State Highway 78 in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.
The county plans an official grand opening and dedication for the two connected projects in mid-summer 2027. The Walking Iron Trail's scheduled completion remains fall 2027.
