Adel trail bridge reopening more than a year after arson
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The Adel trail bridge, prior to the arson. Photo: Courtesy of Dallas County Conservation
A popular trail bridge in Adel is reopening a year after it was destroyed by arson, returning full access to the longest paved loop in the country.
Why it matters: More than 350,000 people use the Raccoon River Valley Trail annually, and the popular 72-mile loop is also a connector to small-town businesses that rely on it for foot traffic.
Catch up quick: In the middle of the night on May 12, 2025, Dallas County conservation director Curt Cable got a call from the sheriff's office — the Adel lighted trail bridge was engulfed in flames.
- The bridge had already closed for most of the 2024 riding season for a $600,000 federally funded reconstruction project.
Yes, but: Five months later, three teens bypassed a fence and started a fire underneath the bridge. It grew uncontrollable, catching the bridge on fire. They left without notifying anyone, and around 2am, the sheriff's office was called.
- Because of the fire's location, it was difficult for emergency crews to get clear access. By morning, a part of the bridge was a total loss.
- "It was pretty devastating, I won't lie," Cable tells Axios. "It was sobering to see it afterwards."
- Since then, people riding the full loop either had to ride gravel or jump on U.S. 6, next to fast-moving traffic.
What's new: The reconstruction cost $700,000, and the bridge will open Saturday, Cable says.
How it works: Dallas County Conservation, the Adel Chamber and the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, fundraised $114,000, while the rest of the costs were covered by the county.
- The bridge was not eligible for coverage under the county's insurance policy, other than for cleanup from the arson.
- Federal transportation funds used to help renovate the bridge the first time are available only every 20 years, even when something unexpected like arson occurs, Cable says.
What they're saying: Steve Roberts, owner of Dexfield Diner & Pub in Redfield, is on the west side of the bridge.
- He said customers have been driving to his restaurant or parking at the Redfield Depot, rather than cycling through Adel.
- The reopening will help bring more cyclists through, especially to Adel, he says.
What's next: A grand reopening ride is planned for Aug. 21 .