MoPac East Extension

The next major development project for the NRD's Mopac East Recreational Trail is to extend the trail approximately eight miles from Wabash, where it currently ends, to the Lied Platte River Bridge near South Bend. It means for the first time the trail will actually venture outside the former Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor deeded to the NRD in 1991. After considering recommendations from a Citizens Advisory Group made up of interested Cass County landowners, the NRD Board of Directors has decided the trail extension will extend roughly along the corridor of 334th Street, staying within one-quarter mile of the road on either side. A rough timeline for the project looks like this:

• Detailed planning of the route will progress through 2008
• Right-of-way will be purchased in 2009
• Construction in 2010

Funding for the project is still being sought and grant procedures could cause delays.

Currently, trail users are guided from Wabash to the Lied Platte River Bridge (shown above) along a marked route called the "Platte River Connection", utilizing both paved and gravel county roads.