Department of Natural Resources officials announced today that the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail bridge over the Muskegon River, located east of the city of Evart, will remain closed until at least Dec. 31 due to an ongoing bridge renovation project. The project includes bridge abutment work, replacement of worn decking, installation of an improved guard rail system, and construction of erosion control devices.

Temporary detours and reroutes for snowmobile use have been evaluated; however, the DNR determined there are no safe designated alternative routes available that would not impact private land owners.

This project is funded primarily from a grant provided by the Recreation Trails Program, which is a Federal Department of Transportation Highway Administration program. The DNR will announce at a later date when the bridge work is completed and the bridge can be re-opened.