I&M Canal Tornado Damage

Has anyone personally seen the damage on the I&M Canal trail from the tornado earlier this year? Any idea if it's passable?

Reported here: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/closures/pages/currentclosuresofdnrsit...:

The section of trail between Marseilles and Ottawa is closed due to damage from a tornado that occurred on February 28, 2017.

I've planned a detour but am wondering if I really need it.

Thanks in advance!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joey Bikes on June 18, 2017 at 4:06am

I don't have info I'm afraid but I'm on the same general route. Anyone with local knowledge on the interruptions and alternatives routes, info welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Adam Z on June 21, 2017 at 7:04am

I'm pre-riding all of the closed sections this weekend.

I'll report back what I find.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Z on June 29, 2017 at 7:30am

I'm late sorry:

Here's the skinny:

The washout between N. Utica and Ottawa is still indeed washed out. There is a path down to a stream that you can shimmy across on some branches while pushing your bike across. Or you can just walk across the stream.

The section between Marseilles and Ottawa is marked as closed. However, traveling east you can get about halfway to Marseilles before the downed trees get pretty annoying. I'd leave the trail at the railroad spur near the ADM property the rest of the way to Marseilles. Then at the little league park, you can get back on the trail.