PARK RAPIDS — Construction is set to begin Monday, Aug. 28, on the first phase of the future extension of the Heartland State Trail between Park Rapids and Itasca State Park.
The tunnel project is under Highway 71, just south of Highway 200 near the Itasca State Park east entrance. Motorists traveling on Highway 71 will detour utilizing Hubbard county roads 4 and 40.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the project is expected to be complete Sept. 23, weather permitting.
The south entrance of Itasca State Park will remain open to motorists traveling on Highway 71 from the south. The east entrance of Itasca State Park will remain open to motorists traveling west on Highway 71/200 from Lake George.
Questions regarding the Heartland State Trail and the proposed construction can be directed to David Schotzko, MnDNR Parks and Trails Division at 218-308-2367 or david.schotzko@state.mn.us.
