Officials Discuss Proposed Bridge over Muskingum River
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The State of Ohio is encouraging localities to develop recreational parks and trails in an effort to promote the beauty of the natural environment.
The Muskingum Valley Park District along with architects, engineers and various governmental representatives met with the county commissioners to discuss a possible bridge, which would cross the Muskingum River near the intersection of Linden Avenue and Military Road in order to connect multiple trails and provide easier access to area parks.
“As you may recall, we purchased the former Kirkbride property, which is now Straker Landing. And the discussion today was one of the concepts that we have in our plans is a pedestrian bridge that will connect Straker Landing with Riverside Park. As we’re in the planning process, there’s also been discussion about the potential of a vehicular bridge. There’s a lot of uncertainties as far as what the initial purpose or ultimate purpose of the bridge will be,” Muskingum Valley Park District Executive Director Russell Edgington said.
One of the discussions during the meeting was about creating a pedestrian bridge that was able to support an ambulance. Initial planning and studies are already underway to determine how the project will best serve the community as well as in gaining a better understanding of all of the coordination, complexities and requirements that will factor into making the vision become a reality.
“This is all long range planning, nothing’s going to happen overnight,” Edgington said. “But you have to have a starting point to look at the vision and develop how we get that. “The next step is to look at the feasibility. Is that the right location for a mixed-use bridge? Should it just be a pedestrian bridge? Should it be a vehicular bridge with pedestrian access? Will it serve the needs of the community? And I believe that with today’s discussion, we’re looking at maybe hiring a design firm that will be able to make those suggestions.”
The initial estimate of building a pedestrian or vehicular bridge across the Muskingum is between $15 and $20m.
However, grant funding can be sought through either recreational or industrial grants and further study will determine the direction the project will take.
