KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — Officials have held a dedication ceremony for the final span of hike-bike trail linking The Archway and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area east of Kearney.

The ceremony was held Saturday morning — 40 years after the trail got its start.

The final portion celebrated with Saturday’s ribbon cutting is 1.8 miles of concrete and crushed rock. The main trail from Cottonmill Park west of the city to Fort Kearny SRA east of Kearney spans 13.2 miles.

The trail got its start in 1977 with the public acquisition of the former Burlington Northern right of way near Fort Kearny SRA, and the project unfolded as trail-building funds became available.

Seconds after the ribbon was cut Saturday, bicyclists were off to pedal the completed trail.