The new bridge

[Andrew]

So I checked out the new bridge this morning on my commute in, and am having a tough time figuring out exactly what the point is. This isn't meant to be critical- obviously any new piece of cycling friendly infrastructure is good to have, but what exactly is the new bridge designed to accomplish in terms of linking up parts of the bike system. I'm trying to think of this from the perspective of a casual cyclist, the kind of person who mostly just wants to ride on the bike paths on the weekends or after work. At this point the bridge just dumps you out in such a way that you'd need to take Valley High to get up to the Douglas trail (perhaps an intimidating ride for a casual cyclist). Is there any long term plan to connect the Douglas trail closer to the bridge?

Andrew

[brogers]

There is an abandon railroad line, across 7th st, that goes to the Douglas Trail. I think the long term plan is to pave it and connect to the Douglas Trail. I would think they would then need to extend the new bridge to cross 7th st. and another bridge to cross Valley High Dr at the Douglas Trial. Time frame unknown?

[jno]

I talked to one of the BPAC members and there is a plan to connect the trailhead and the new bridge on 7th street. No sure how, but it will probably be a multi year project. I was told that the land was already procured. I'll see if I can find out some more info.