FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024
By Madi Nolte, Community Engagement Coordinator
Story County Conservation (SCC) is excited to announce reopening two sections of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (HOINT) following closure in May for paving and construction. Reopening comes months earlier than promised, as initial estimates called for spring opening.
The HOINT’s passage underneath Interstate 35, as well as from the South Skunk River bridge (east of Cambridge) to Highway S14, are now paved and open for use. This marks roughly 12.5 miles of this 23-mile multi-use trail, from Slater to Highway S14, that have been paved since efforts first began in 2013.
NEW TUNNEL
More than paving took place on the HOINT this season. A vibrant new monarch-themed tunnel now crosses under I-35, funded and constructed by Iowa DOT, in conjunction with its interstate widening project. This over-70-yard-long tunnel currently has no lighting, and trail users are advised to use caution. SCC is currently seeking funding for future tunnel lighting, expected to be installed next spring.
Inspiration for the monarch design stems from the Monarch Highway designation, aimed at brining awareness to this insect whose migration central flyway happens to overlap largely with I-35 from Texas to Minnesota. Read more about that project here.
WORK IN PROGRESS
An additional section of the HOINT remains closed for paving, from Highway S14 to Collins, but is expected to open by winter. With the opening of the abovementioned section, the HOINT will be paved all the way from its juncture with the High Trestle Trail in Slater, to Collins.
Several miles, from Collins east to the Story-Marshall County, line will remain unpaved. SCC is currently seeking funding to pave this final section. The Story County Water and Land Legacy bond, if passed in November’s general election, would assist in funding this project.
FUNDING
The vast majority of funding for HOINT paving projects has come from the following sources:
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