The opening of the new drawbridge over Bayou Lacombe on the Tammany Trace brought St. Tammany Parish closer to the ultimate goal of connecting the east and west parts of the parish. The trace winds through the parish, starting at Abita Springs and stopping just outside of Slidell. It is 28 miles of pristine forests, wetlands and beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed by bicycle riders and hikers alike.

The trace used to be a railroad line, and when the parish bought up the tracks in 1992, the vision was to connect each end of St. Tammany. Yesterday, officials announced the Tammany Trace had been selected to be part of the National Rail-Trail Network for its excellence in scenic value, trail amenities, management, maintenance and community relations.

With its new standing and national recognition, and the new bridge, it is time to keep pushing to finish the trace all the way to Slidell. Currently, the path stops near Camp Salmen just outside the city. Plans have called for the trace to finally end up at a trailhead at Heritage Park in Slidell. There is a movement in Slidell to build bike paths extending east and eventually tying into the trace. The Tammany Trace is one of the great things about living here. Where else can a bicyclist travel for miles and miles through beautiful pine forests? Not only is the trace great for residents, but it is also a magnet for tourism, which the parish is trying to boost. With the recognition by the Rail-Trail Conservancy, the trace has become well-known, and we should give residents and tourists alike the chance to ride the entire breadth of St. Tammany Parish.

We know there are logistical and construction problems associated with bringing the trace to its final end in Slidell. The proposed widening of U.S. Highway 190 has slowed progress, because a needed tunnel for the trace needs to run under the highway, and until the widening is done, the parish will have to wait.

The new bridge is a great step in connecting the parish. Let’s hope officials can get construction problems solved and the needed money to finally bring Slidell together with the rest of the parish.