Great Headwaters Trails donates $25,000 for Highway 45 crossing study, design work

The Eagle River Revitalization Program (ERRP), in collaboration with the city of Eagle River and with a donation from Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF), is moving forward on a key infrastructure project to improve safety, accessibility and regional trail connectivity.

Leaders of GHTF presented a $25,000 check last week to ERRP to fund conceptual design work and traffic studies for a proposed Highway 45 multi-use crossing just south of the Eagle River bridge — an investment that could potentially benefit a wide range of trail users.

According to Karen Margelofsky, executive director of ERRP, the Highway 45 crossing project, if approved by the state, will serve as a vital link between the city and surrounding trail systems. Once complete, she said the crossing will feature rapid flashing beacons and other safety enhancements to support safe passage for pedestrians, bicyclists and snowmobilers.

Additionally, Margelofsky said the project includes enhanced wayfinding and placemaking elements within nearby Riverview Park — serving not only the crossing but also boaters accessing the riverfront boardwalk, UTV/ATV riders using adjacent trails (who will not use the crossing itself), and all who enjoy the park’s amenities, including the pickleball courts and playground.

With at least five major user groups — pedestrians, bicyclists, snowmobilers, boaters and UTV/ATV riders — plus recreational park visitors, Margelofsky said the project offers broad community impact and economic opportunity.

“This project is a shining example of what can be accomplished when trail advocates, city leaders, and recreation enthusiasts come together to put safety first and strengthen our community,” said Margelofsky. “By connecting our trail systems directly to downtown Eagle River, we’re not only protecting everyone who uses these routes — we’re also investing in the recreation economy that is so vital to our region’s future.”

The $25,000 donation will fund work by engineering firm Becher Hoppe, which will conduct queuing and traffic studies, and prepare conceptual plans required for Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) permit approval.

“We are incredibly grateful to Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, not only for this generous donation, but for their unwavering commitment to building a more connected and accessible trail system throughout our region,” said Margelofsky. “Their leadership has opened up incredible opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty of the North Woods — whether on foot, by bike or by snowmobile. This gift is more than just a check — it’s a powerful investment in safety, community, and the future of outdoor recreation in Eagle River.”

Laura VanValkenberg, president of GHTF, said the organization is proud to support the project because creating and maintaining safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians is central to its mission. Included in that goal is the proposed 10-mile River Trail connecting Eagle River with St. Germain.

“When GHTF conducted the first feasibility study for the River Trail, a paved, off-road, family-friendly bike/pedestrian trail, we envisioned a future connection between the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System and the Three Eagle Trail,” said VanValkenberg. “From the beginning, we saw the existing snowmobile trail crossing on Highway 45 near Riverview Park and the railroad depot as an ideal location for that link.”

GHTF trail developers believe connecting Eagle River and The Three Eagle Trail to the 55-mile Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System via the River Trail would help make eastern Vilas County a destination for bicyclists. Having safe road crossings is part of that goal.

“Like other snowmobile crossings, the pavement at this (Highway 45) site is painted white. However, during the summer months many people mistake it for a pedestrian crosswalk,” continued VanValkenberg. “Unfortunately, without any signage or lighting to alert drivers, it’s not a safe place for people to cross from the depot to Riverview Park.”

In 2019, GHTF also collaborated with a team of senior engineering students from UW-Platteville. As part of their capstone project, they developed a conceptual plan to improve safety at this crossing. That plan was shared with the ERRP, helping to lay the groundwork for future progress at the crossing.

“Now, with the $25,000 donation from GHTF, we are funding the next step to refine the conceptual plans and coordinate efforts for a safe, multi-use crossing — serving pedestrians, bicyclists and snowmobilers — across U.S. Highway 45,” said VanValkenberg.

In addition to the GHTF contribution, ERRP has applied for a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help fund further enhancements. A decision on the grant is expected later this month, according to Margelofsky.

For more information or to get involved, visit eagleriverrevitalization.org or ghtrails.org.