POST FALLS — The North Idaho Centennial Trail bridge near the state line has had a makeover.

The finishing painting touches are being put on the structure over the Spokane River along Interstate 90.

"It was an eyesore," said John Bruning, a member of the trail foundation's board. "It was a big project to get the scaffolding across the river."

With "North Idaho Centennial Trail" painted in beige 4-foot letters, the bridge's visible location from westbound I-90 serves as way to get the word out about the trail.

The last time the bridge had been painted was about 30 years ago. It was built in 1904 and was formerly owned by Union Pacific Railroad until it was sold to Kootenai County in 1988.

The painting project cost $85,000. The trail foundation paid $20,000 and the Joint Powers Board — which consists of the county and the cities of Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls — paid $65,000.

Each year, the agencies, as part of the Joint Powers Board, contribute $7,500 for trail projects and those contributions can accumulate for large projects such as the paint job.

The painting project included the bridge's abutments, girders and the railings.

Theresa MacLennan, the foundation's executive director, said the project is expected to conclude next week.

Idaho Central Credit Union has agreed to sponsor the bridge at $5,000 per year over the next five years. The funding will be used for trail maintenance.

A dedication for the bridge has been planned for Sept. 30 at 1:30.

• Meanwhile, the city of Post Falls recently approved a small land swap with Idaho Veneer Co. to straighten out a portion of the trail along Third Avenue to avoid motorized traffic.

The city has also started negotiations with Albertsons, which owns property near the Highway 41 interchange, to complete a similar swap on the east side of the city to make it more user friendly, said City Administrator Shelly Enderud.

Bruning said the trail foundation also plans to kick off a capital campaign in the near future to expand the Prairie Trail for 1 mile from Huetter Road to Meyer Road. The trail runs by the Kroc Center, Ramsey Park and Woodland Middle School in Coeur d'Alene and extends onto the Rathdrum Prairie.

"Connectivity is what we're all about," Bruning said, referring to the foundation's mission of connecting non-motorized trails throughout the county.

The extension is estimated to cost $180,000, and Bruning said a grant will be sought to fund the bulk of the project. The trail foundation would fund the match required for the grant.

The city of Coeur d'Alene owns the Prairie Trail, which is an abandoned Union Pacific line.

"The rail bed is solid, and the ties have already been removed," Bruning said.

The Coeur d'Fondo bike rides around Lake Coeur d'Alene, a fundraiser for the trail foundation, will be held on Sept. 24. Five different ride options, including 15-, 37-, 47-, 84- and 108-mile routes, will be offered. Information: ItsMyTrail.org