Portion of the Cross City Trail reopens

People who like to adventure the Cross City Trail can now access the portion of the trail next to the ponds behind Erie Pier cleanup and restoration. Trail users are encouraged to stay on the paved trail, however, to allow for restoration plantings.

At the end of June 2021, a portion of the Cross City Trail and the city-owned land next to it were closed down to accommodate cleanup and restoration work in two backwater ponds, known as the ponds behind Erie Pier. This area was part of the St. Louis Area of Concern and contained contaminated sediment. The EPA and MPCA have been doing sediment remediation as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which required a long-term closure and detour of the trail.

The cleanup and restoration project has addressed around 45,000 cubic yards of material containing heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins. Removal of this sediment helps to improve the overall health of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior.

“We are excited to see the Cross City Trail reopen adjacent to the restored wetlands behind Erie Pier. Thank you to our partner agencies and contractors that made the remediation project possible, including the EPA and MPCA,” said Jim Filby Williams, Director of the Properties, Parks, and Libraries Department. “This section of trail creates an important community link for Irving Park and West Duluth residents.”