Missouri Bicycle News

Should the Katy railroad bridge at Boonville be restored for use as a bike/ped bridge and part of the Katy Trail? Is it a wise move?

BikeKatyTrail.com has posted a story from a reader who lives in Tennessee and has seen the impact a similar bridge conversion can have on a community:

I wanted to offer what can happen when the path of restoration is chosen. I live in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area where we were faced with a similar issue several years ago. The Walnut Street Bridge had been closed to automobile traffic for many years and had fallen into disrepair. It too was slated to be torn down but a local citizens group became involved with an effort to save the bridge. The renovation of this 113-year old historic bridge as a linear pedestrian park was completed in May 1993. It is the oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South and was the first multi-use structure to span the 652-mile Tennessee River. The Walnut Street Bridge was condemned and slated for demolition when local citizens convinced the City of Chattanooga to commit the funds earmarked for the bridge’s demolition to its restoration, providing the balance of the renovation cost could be raised.

To make a long story short, they ultimately were successful and the restored Walnut Street Bridge is now a center point in a revitalization effort underway along the riverfront.

Read the rest of the story and see photos the restored bridge here. permanent link to article: "Revitalize the Katy Bridge at Boonville? A success story from Tennessee . . ."
posted by Brent Hugh at 5/03/2005 11:32:55 AM |comment on this article