Rec. Bond Builds Two Bridges on Iron Dog

Construction begins next week for two bridges on the Iron Dog snowmobile race trail northwest of Big Lake. The bridges will improve winter travel by snowmobile on Trail 6 of the 40-plus miles of the Big Lake Trail system. The bridges are paid for by the 2016 Matanuska-Susitna Borough Recreation Bonds.

The project cost for both is about $700,000, said Project Manager Mike Campfield with the Borough Capital Projects Department. Riders in the Iron Dog race are not driving this part of the route this year.

The two bridges are: Groomer Gulley and Fish Creek. Groomer Gully will be a 50-foot bridge. The gulley has a blind hill into a hole with a narrow passage, where several accidents have occurred. Fish Creek will be a 100-foot bridge. Nearby lakes and springs keep the area wet and slow to freeze for winter driving, Campfield said.

Mat-Su Borough Assembly Member Dan Mayfield is pleased the project is beginning Monday. “We’re looking forward to completion. It’ll make the trails a lot safer,” said Mayfield.

A detour is posted on the attached map at Groomer's Gully. The detour for Fish Creek is closer to the trail. Riders please slow down when approaching the construction sites. The work is expected to continue through April 1.

For more information contact Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Engineer Mike Campfield at (907) 861-7719 or 861-7723.