CLIVE, Iowa, September 26, 2009 – Re-construction of a bridge on Interstate Highways 80-35 on the west edge of the Des Moines metro area has forced a temporary closing of one of the busiest places on a recreational trail in the state.  The closing on the Clive Greenbelt Trail, beneath the I-80-35 bridge went into effect September 14, with re-opening of the trail there scheduled for early winter.  (It was still closed on December 16.)

The Iowa Department of Transportation reported that the closing was essential for safety reasons, as there could be contruction debris falling from the bridges above the trail while work is underway.

A second closing of the trail there will be scheduled next spring, for “phase 2″ of the bridge re-construction.

The Clive Greenbelt Trail at that point carries a lot of traffic from bicyclists, walkers and runners who are moving between the Des Moines metro trail system and the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

As trail users move west from the Des Moines area, they will encounter the closing at NW 114th Street in Clive, on the east side of the interstate highway.  As trail users move east from Waukee on the RRVT, they will encounter the closing at NW 128th Street in Clive, on the west side of the interstate.

Clive Parks & Recreation maintenance suprvisor Jeff Thielen said that if trail users want to ride bicycles around the detour, thehe suggests following this route:  Go south on either 114th or 128th to University Boulevard, get on the walkway/bikeway that is on one side of the University bridge, cross over the interstate, then use 114th or 128th to return to the trail.