I am thrilled to announce that our much-anticipated Pedestrian Bridge is now officially open! As your Mayor, I had the honor of being part of today's Grand Opening, marking a significant milestone for our beloved city. This bridge is not just a pathway but a symbol of connectivity and progress for Provo.
Located at the Provo Central Station at 610 S. Freedom Blvd., the bridge is a testament to our commitment to improving safety, air quality, and ensuring seamless access to the Wasatch Front regional transportation network. The inconvenience and danger posed by the frequent blockage due to freight trains at approximately 600 South and 100 West are now a thing of the past.
We are proud to have completed this structure, a 145-foot-long safe passage that soars over two FrontRunner tracks and two Union Pacific Railroad lines. The inclusion of stairs with a “bike runnel” on both sides will allow you to wheel your bikes up and down the staircases easily. The bridge is now open to the public, with the exception of the elevators which still need to complete state inspections. Inspections are anticipated to be completed within the next couple of weeks, at which point the bridge will become fully operational.
This $7 million project, funded by 35% federal and 65% local resources, is a collaborative effort. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG), and all the distinguished representatives who have supported this venture.
To all our residents, I invite you to make the most of this new addition to our city's infrastructure. Whether you're a commuter, a cyclist, or simply out for a stroll, this bridge is for you—designed to enhance your travel experience and to encourage a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
Let's celebrate this achievement together and continue to work towards making Provo an even more connected and vibrant community.
This is a wonderful development. Now if we could stop closing 600 South every other week, that would be fantastic!