Breaking Birkie News from the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation!

Provided to Silent Sports by Nancy Knutson
I’ve gathered a few tidbits for you to show what happened this AM [October 28, 2020]. Attached please find a few photos from this morning’s bridge installation and a link to the video (actual movement starts after 11:00 minutes in). I’ve posted this on Facebook if you’d like to share on your page. Photo & Video credit: Courtesy of American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
Highlights
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Photos & Video credit: Courtesy of American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
YouTube downloadable video link with more information below:
• Becker Law Link pedestrian bridge placed over WI State Highway 77 (about 2.5 east of Hayward – just past Hatchery Creek Road)
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Connects the American Birkebeiner Trail (Birkie Trail) on the north and south sides of the bridge
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Will provide safe passage for skiers, bikers, runners, hikers and all who recreate on the over 100-kilometer Birkie Trail on event days, and all days
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This is the final component in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s capital campaign
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The bridge is:
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136’ Long
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12’6” wide
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19’ tall
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67,000 pounds
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Made with corten steel
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Constructed in Spooner, WI
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Over 150,000 visitors use the Birkie Trail system each year (estimated)
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Don & Heidi Becker, Madison, WI, provided the lead gift while helped to make this bridge a reality. They were joined by many generous donors who brought the project to life!
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This is the third bridge created by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation through their capital campaigns (supported by thousands of adventurous spirits & friends of the Birkie)
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American Birkebeiner International Bridge
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4 Lane, temporary, wooden bridge that is placed over Highway 63 and Main Street in Hayward, WI, during Birkie Week each February
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Provides safe transport over the highway for 13,500 skiers during the Birkie week races
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This bridge was the centerpiece for Super Bowl Live in Minneapolis as part of the Bold North celebration
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The American Birkebeiner is North America’s largest and most prestigious cross-country ski race held each year in Hayward, WI
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Key Log Crossing
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Permanent, corten steel pedestrian bridge over Highway OO, east of Cable, WI, used to allow safe passage over the highway for all recreating on the 100K Birkie Trail
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Becker Law Link
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Newest addition to the family of Birkie bridges!
Thank you Nancy Knutson and all the Birkie Workers & Volunteers!
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