The repairs for Stewart Tunnel has been signed into the budget!

Thanks to everyone who was involved. Thanks to the people get the word out, thanks to those sharing their stories with the legislators, thanks for those writing letters and showing support.

And thanks to the legislators who supported the measure and to the Governor for signing it into the budget.

About Stewart Tunnel

Stewart Tunnel has been the star of the Badger State Trail, a 40-mile bike and hiking trail in southern Wisconsin created by transforming an old railroad line into an easy-to-traverse path. Before you even see the tunnel, on a hot day you can feel the cool air down the path before you get to the entrance. At times you might see fog misting out.

For years, Belleville High School students have had their group pictures taken at the entrance.

One unique aspect of the tunnel is there is a slight curve, so light does not shine through, the only pedestrian/bike tunnel like it in Wisconsin. (So visitors have always been instructed to bring flashlights!)

The tunnel has been closed for the last several years as falling rocks have created potential hazardous conditions. The DNR has studied the issue and has created an analysis of the situation.

Important notes about the restoration project:

Over 200,000 people use the Badger State Trail every year.

The proposed plan uses a corrugated metal pipe to protect trail participants while preserving the historic facades on both ends and also allows for bats to have access the recesses within the tunnel.

The expenditure is a one-time cost, no additional funding is necessary.

Outdoor recreation contributes over 7.8 billion dollars to the Wisconsin economy.