Lincoln Prairie Trail Opens

For the past 10 years, there had been a gap on Lincoln Prairie Trail, a 15-mile multiuse path that runs through Christian County between Pana and Taylorville. An old railroad bridge stretching over Flat Branch, a tributary of the Sangamon River’s South Fork, was shut down because of safety concerns. 

This April, construction was completed on a new bridge, once again providing an uninterrupted link between Pana and Taylorville for people who walk, bike and roll. The project’s success is thanks to collaboration by Pana, Taylorville, IDOT and a group of volunteers from the Lincoln Prairie Trail Conservancy.

Originally opened in 2001, the Lincoln Prairie Trail was built on an old railroad bed, following the same general route Abraham Lincoln traveled during his years working the Eighth Judicial Circuit as an attorney and, later, as a judge. The trail included four original bridges; however, the bridge at Flat Branch suffered significant damage over the years. 

A timber trestle railroad bridge in deteriorated condition, the structure included multiple closely spaced timber piers located in the water, obstructing natural flow and accumulating a massive amount of debris. This led to the failure of multiple piers and concern that the structure was in immediate danger of collapse. As a result, the bridge was closed in 2015.  

An Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant administered by IDOT assisted in replacing the bridge. ITEP grants support bike and pedestrian paths and trails, streetscape beautification and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across various modes of transportation at the local level. This spring Gov. Pritzker and IDOT announced the latest round of funding through ITEP, a record $139.2 million to communities throughout the state. 

It took two tries for Pana to start its project. The city initially applied for and was awarded a grant in 2016 but was unable to begin the work. The city was encouraged to reapply and it was awarded $1.1 million in 2023.

In February, removal of the old bridge began. Manufactured in Wisconsin, the new bridge was delivered in four pieces. Workers had to assemble it in a confined area, while navigating the stream that bisected the construction zone.  

Once the 200-foot structure – along with 72 feet of timber decking and railing on each end – was in position, the Lincoln Prairie Trail was, once again, fully connected. 

As an added benefit, the new bridge can now accommodate up to 20,000 pounds, which would allow a small first-responder vehicle on the trail if medical assistance was needed. In addition, a new pier structure makes stream debris pileup less likely.

Additional improvements to the trail were provided through the Lincoln Prairie Trail Conservancy, a volunteer group established in 2017 to improve and preserve the trail. These upgrades include two new trailhead facilities, enhanced signage, water stations, bike racks, repair stations and a native plant garden. Eventually, the group would like to see the Lincoln Prairie Trail connected to the Lost Bridge Trail, which would connect Pana to Springfield. 

On May 27, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on the new bridge, officially opening the trail to bicyclists and pedestrians. In attendance were Secretary Gia Biagi, Mayor of Pana Nathan Pastor, Taylorville Ald. Steve Dennis and Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy Chairman Terry Baker.

“Projects like this don’t happen without a collective commitment to come together and think big,” said Secretary Biagi. “It’s especially satisfying and meaningful to me that this bridge is made possible by $1.1 million from our Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.”

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry expressed his gratitude for all who made the project possible.

“It is great to see people using the trail as it was meant to be,” said Barry. “I would also like to thank IDOT, Pana and the many people that have volunteered their time and financial resources to making improvements on the trail.”