A group of businesses and property owners would like to build a new pedestrian bridge over the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids. The question is: Is it a good idea?

The former CRANDIC railroad bridge extended across the Cedar River from near the Cargill plant on the east side, to the foot of Mount Trashmore on the west. The flood of 2008 destroyed most of it, but now a group is hoping to use the existing pedestals for a pedestrian bridge. The Southside Investment Board believes the bridge would cost around $2 million to build with another $800,000 needed for a signature design to make it an attraction.

After making the trip to the bridge this morning, I honestly have to say my feelings are mixed. It's honestly quite a ways from the area directly around the NewBo City Market and users would exit the bridge on Cedar Rapids east side right next to an electrical substation and the Cargill plant. On the west side, the trail is quite low in that area and a very dense line of trees is behind it. Raising the trail to that level would be quite a task and lowering the bridge doesn't seem like a great idea with the prospect of flooding in that area still very real. However, if they can find a way, especially not using much, if any, city funds to make it happen it would certainly be a big help getting over the river for many. Right now, the 16th Avenue bridge is the final option and much of the river and trail continue on from there in Cedar Rapids.

Former CRANDIC bridge
Bridget DeMeis
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Former CRANDIC bridge taken from Cedar Rapids east side
Bridget DeMeis
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