MONROE — Samples from the burned wooden bridge along the Badger State Recreation Trail at Round Grove Road have been collected and are being reviewed by the state crime lab, officials said.

The incident at the bridge, likely arson, began when Green County received a 911 call reporting fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 10. That’s when Monroe Rural Fire Department — along with Juda Fire Department and Monticello Fire Department — responded to the scene, joined by deputies from the sheriff’s department.

The responding units saw the bridge engulfed in flames. The bridge fire was eventually knocked down. But the bridge was demolished hours after the fire to prevent it being a safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists. 

The older bridge structure was built for the railroad bed prior to being converted for use along the recreation trail.  Even prior to the fire, a car crash on July 1 weakened the structure significantly, officials have said.

Police are hoping someone comes forward with tips about who may have started the blaze.

“Any information from the community on information on the fire would be appreciated,” said Sheriff Jeff Skatrud.

Meanwhile, Town of Monroe officials were slated to consider a pair of bridge-related issues at their meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17. The meeting was held late Thursday night after the newspaper’s deadline. 

The two related items on the agenda include discussion and possible action on DNR easement agreement for the trail temporary by-pass at Round Grove Road. And discussion/possible action on speed limit reduction for Round Grove Road.

Green County Crime Stoppers can be contacted by phone at 1-800-I-C-CRIME or online at https://www.greencountycrimestoppers.com/.