Future Cedar Rapids Pedestrian Bridge Now Has a Name [PHOTOS]

The long-hoped-for pedestrian bridge across the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids became much more than a dream earlier this year. Now, ahead of the bridge's construction, it has an official name.

It's been more than three years since fundraising started for a new pedestrian bridge to connect the New Bohemia District and Czech Village, southeast of downtown. Last summer, ConnectCR said, "This project is a reality." Where once stood a railroad bridge that was destroyed by the flood of 2008 will be a beautiful new bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists, but no vehicle traffic. It's should provide a quieter and safer way across the river, away from the downtown area.

At a Wednesday afternoon press conference, it was announced the new bridge will be called the Alliant Energy LightLine™. As you can see from the images below, the bridge will have lighting as part of its design on not only the bridge's rails but also on the interior of the tower portion of the bridge. The lights will be powered by Alliant Energy, which also made a $1 million donation to the project.

The Alliant Energy Lightline itself will have a wide deck that splits at the bridge's pylon/tower. Adjacent to the bridge, on both sides of the river, will be plazas with gathering areas and historical exhibits. On the west side of the Cedar River will be a connection to recreational opportunities offered at Mt. Trashmore.

Construction on the new bridge, which will be part of the Great-American Rail-Trail and American Discovery Trail, is scheduled to begin in 2023. It's expected to be ready to go sometime in 2024.