Flooding Causes Damage and Closure of the Cannon Valley Trail

(AP Photo/The Republican Eagle, Regan Carstensen)

Strong storms with high winds and heavy rains on June 14th had closed the full length of the Cannon Valley Trail.  The trail suffered significant damage as a result of the flooding.  Sections of the trail have been washed away, there are significant landslides and one of the bridges has been dislodged.  Cannon Valley Trail staff in cooperation with Goodhue County, Red Wing and Cannon Falls Public Works have been busy removing debris from around bridges, culverts, the trail and repairing damage to the area.

It is estimated that repairs could run around $200,000 but the overall damage is still being assessed.  Cannon Valley Trail Manager Scott Roepke stated that it could be at least three to four weeks to repair the damage and reopen the section from Welch to Red Wing.  "That would be the longest closure I have ever been involved with," stated Roepke.  The section of trail from Cannon Falls to Welch has been reopened and a short detour has been put in place in downtown Cannon Falls with directional arrows to lead you to the trail.

Fore up to date closure information and reopening of the Welch to Red Wing section visit the Cannon Valley Trail website.