Hidden Lake Debuts New Bridges For National Trail Day

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 5 to debut two new bridges at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, including one designed to replicate a bridge from the 1870s. The project, underway since 2022, was unveiled on National Trail Day.

"We are all part of nature’s tapestry, and as we walk this loop today and every time you walk this trail or any other trail, I encourage you to reflect on the interconnectedness of all things — humans are merely one species in our ecosystems," Forest Preserve District president Daniel Hebreard said in a statement.

One bridge that was rebuilt was the 1870s bridge that spans the East Branch DuPage River to link Eagle Lake to the north part of Hidden Lake Forest Preserve. The bridge was rebuilt offsite and then returned to the same location as the original bridge.

The rebuilt 50-foot-long wrought iron bowstring pony truss bridge is now expected to last 100 years as opposed to 40 years, according to the Forest Preserve District.

The second new bridge, which crosses Round Meadow Lake is a 14-foot-wide steel truss prefabricated bridge.

Replacement of these river and lake bridges was prioritized in 2019 as part of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's master plan. The $800,000 bridge replacement project was made possible by the forest preserve district's funds for construction and development.