Repair and reconstruction of a Bergland-Sidnaw Rail-Trail bridge has been completed, allowing a closed segment of the trail spanning the East Branch of the Ontonagon River near Kenton in Houghton County, to reopen on Friday, June 12.

It was originally anticipated that the bridge would be closed for repair throughout the summer, cutting off access to the trail on either side of the river since no feasible, alternate route existed for crossing the river elsewhere.

"We are pleased to have the bridge repairs completed ahead of schedule, allowing trail users access to the entire trail during the busy summer season," said Department of Natural Resources Upper Peninsula Trails Program Analyst Rob Katona.

The Bergland-Sidnaw Rail-Trail is a multi-use trail used by snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, bikers and hikers. The bridge was repaired with grant money from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Funding from RTP grants must be used for recreational trail development projects and cannot be applied toward non-recreation projects.

For more information on state recreation trails in Michigan, visit the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on Recreation, Camping and Boating.