I checked the Cleburne county section of the trail today 12-16-2006.
Guardrails are up on the final bridge allowing save passage but there is still welding being done. You must pick your bike up and step up or down according to your direction of travel on the west end of the bridge until a ramp is built up. All 9 miles of the Cleburne County section is easily navigable due to preparatory work for paving. Paving is to start sometime next week (12-18 to 12-22-06) according to weather conditions. Paving will start at the Silver Comet trailhead for about 5 miles ending at the 220 ft bridge just west of Borden Springs, AL. Paving of the final 4 miles will begin in January 2007 depending on weather conditions. The paving contractor must have all work completed by 2-28-2007 or pay penalties.