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In an area of tens of thousands of bicyclists, it's only natural that the longest bicycle bridge ever built in Wisconsin is coming to Dane County.

The Lower Yahara River Trail, eventually connecting Lake Farm County Park to Stoughton, will include over a mile of bridges and boardwalk, starting on the north shore of Lake Waubesa to McDaniel Park in McFarland.

Dane County officials announced today that a $5.9 million contract has been awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to Janke General Contractors, Athens, to begin construction of the 2.5 mile first phase of the project, which includes the bridges and boardwalk.

The target completion date of the first phase is the summer of 2017. It will be the longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge and boardwalk that hasn't previously been used by trains or vehicles.

"We are excited to begin construction on this long-anticipated project, and thankful to have the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as a partner to assist us with completing this very complex first phase of the trail," said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.