Construction to Begin on Long-Awaited Raleigh Pedestrian Bridge

Construction is set to begin soon on a long-planned pedestrian and cyclist bridge in Raleigh, N.C.

The structure will allow travel over Wade Avenue, a six-lane freeway that leads to downtown. City officials said building a new bridge is easier than widening the existing route — and is safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

The bridge’s bright red steel sections will be assembled in the road overnight before being lifted by a crane to hoist into place. Crews will place the first half in early October and install the other bridge half a few weeks later.

Workers will then pour the concrete deck, install safety railings, add fencing and lighting and complete multi-use path connections leading up to the bridge. Related underground work is already complete and sidewalks, curbs and gutters are currently under construction.

“Once finished, the bridge will provide a safe, accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connections across the area and supporting Raleigh’s ongoing commitment to walkable and bike-friendly streets,” the city of Raleigh said in a statement.

The bridge will be the most visible part of a new 10-foot-wide path Raleigh is building along Blue Ridge Road, from the North Carolina Museum of Art Park to Trinity Road. The path is scheduled to be complete next year and will be a new option for pedestrians to cross a busy five-lane road near the Lenovo Center and State Fairgrounds.

The $5.5 million project was planned more than a decade ago but faced multiple delays, including utility problems and nearby construction.

“The city decided to upgrade a major water service line within the project, and this design had to be integrated into our project plan and coordinated with adjacent NCDOT projects,” Raleigh spokesperson Tiffanie Mazanek told the News & Observer.

Sources: The News & Observer, City of Raleigh