Army Reserve Unit

Army Reservists to help Minnesota town build covered bridge
By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: April 30, 2008 - 3:06 PM


Minnesota Army Reserve unit members and residents from Holdingford this week will start building a cover for a historic 19th-century era bridge along the Lake Wobegon State Trail.

Participation by the 492nd Engineer Company of Mankato starting Friday is part of a training exercise.

At 164 feet, promoters say it will be the state's longest covered bridge. The project is being headed by the Holdingford Lions Club. The cover is being assembled in sections in Mankato and then will be moved to Holdingford for installation on the bridge, which spans Two Rivers.

"We need this bridge to improve economic and historical conditions in our community as well as the whole Wobegon area," Holdingford Mayor Ernie Schmit said in a notice to citizens, "by attracting tourists who wish to hike, bike, jog or snowmobile along a groomed and well-maintained trail.

"When completed, this will be among the longest active covered bridges on a trail in the nation."

The trail, which runs from St. Joseph to Sauk Centre on one segment and Albany to Holdingford on another, is built on an abandoned rail line and opened in 1998.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482