Big four pedestrian bridge

[John Hagan]

While out running errands Anne and I drove by the construction site for the new pedestrian big four bridge. While we were there checking out the progress three giant cranes were attempting to put up the last section of the circular ramp leading up to the bridge. This section was close to three hundred feet in lenght I would guess,spanning two support columns. One of the guys on the site said the lift was over three hundred tons. About half way through the lift a large "pop" was heard and they lowered the piece. We were hoping to see the last section put in place ,but that was not to be. I would guess by Monday they will have it up.
I know some of the folks I have talked to around town think this thing is a waste of money, but I disagree.Ever since we moved here we have noticed the city embracing its water front more and more,and this seems to be another great addition to the water front.I think its a really cool and unique reuse of an otherwise useless structure. I would think if Indiana can get some sort of "ramp" on their end, this would be a great option for cyclists getting to the other side.
Im just wondering what the consensus is here on the forum. Cool? or just a waste of money?

[Mary Beth D]

I think its a wonderful addition to the waterfront. Having lived in many other cities with waterfront, it has been interesting to see how Louisville is going about utilizing the riverfront for recreation. Waterfront Park is lovely, and put to good use in many ways. I agree that the ped/bike bridge would make a great way to cross to Indiana, and a fun way to spend the day.

[JustinHammond]

The problem is going to be the Indiana side. They aren't doing much work over there.

[Gary Guss]

I'll bet it gets done a lot sooner than the East end bridge.. Thanks Riverfields for inconveniencing thousands of people everyday.

[Jeffrey D.]

The problem is going to be the Indiana side. They aren't doing much work over there.

Maybe Indiana is holding Big Four access hostage until Kentucky completes the East End Bridge. Throw me in the briar patch.

[Ed Vermillion]

Nope, not being sarcastic. Enjoy the bridge.

[John Hagan]

While Im sure your being sarcastic, do you really think it would increase that type of behavior? It seems between the second street bridge and numerous overpasses around the city one more jump site wouldn't make a big difference. The Golden Gate is a popular spot to jump, and you dont see any chain link. If a person with that type of mental illness is determined to take action,there's only so much that can be done to protect them from themselves.

[Nimbus Couzin]

I'm 100% in favor of the pedestrian bridge. Very exciting.

It is really a quality of life issue. Has anyone ever tried biking across the river? Virtually impossible presently (yes, the second street bridge can be done, but it is horrible for cyclists or pedestrians).

I commend Abramson's and others' efforts in creating waterfront park. We (Louisville) still owns more land along the river that could be converted to parks. I think those projects should be expedited. One only needs to look at cities like Chicago, which literally have tens of miles of parks along their lakefront to realize the massive benefits. The lakefront makes Chicago extremely "livable," brings in tourists, and generally improves quality of life. Nothing like a walk, a bike ride, a frisbee or soccer game, or simply kicking back and relaxing on the waterfront.

I'd push for expansion of what we have now, especially with all the federal stimulus money available presently. If we had had the plans in place and ready to go, we probably could have been rolling already.But it is never too late.

[Charles W.]

I love the idea of the pedestrian/bike bridge. I hope to use it. I also like the symbolism for the city, seeing an outdoor recreation public work visible to everyone using the downtown interstates.

[Alan H]

Thanks Riverfields for inconveniencing thousands of people everyday.

Don't get me started

[Alan H]

On another note, there was talk awhile back about building condos on the bridge, driveway leading up to it from both sides....

[Carla G]

Love the idea of a pedestrian bridge. Maybe with more outdoor activity and things to do downtown, it'll help the downtown area come back to life. Always good to reclycle stuff too!

[Steve A]

This story from a few weeks back says, in part:

People will not be allowed to use the ramp until the Big Four's new deck is in place and the whole bridge is ready for traffic, said Mike Kimmel, the waterfront agency's deputy director. Officials are also hoping to hear back from the Federal Highway Administration regarding an application for $25 million. Karem said officials are hoping to get word by January to know if they'll have access to a chunk of the money available through the national economic stimulus plan.

If approved, $10 million would go toward putting a new deck across the bridge, Karem said. The rest would likely pay to connect with the bridge on Indiana's shore. The Big Four's re-decking is expected to be complete by late 2011.

Am I reading this correctly, that funding to complete this is not in place?

[Matthew D]

This story from a few weeks back says, in part:

People will not be allowed to use the ramp until the Big Four's new deck is in place and the whole bridge is ready for traffic, said Mike Kimmel, the waterfront agency's deputy director. Officials are also hoping to hear back from the Federal Highway Administration regarding an application for $25 million. Karem said officials are hoping to get word by January to know if they'll have access to a chunk of the money available through the national economic stimulus plan.

If approved, $10 million would go toward putting a new deck across the bridge, Karem said. The rest would likely pay to connect with the bridge on Indiana's shore. The Big Four's re-decking is expected to be complete by late 2011.

Am I reading this correctly, that funding to complete this is not in place?

Yes you are reading correctly. We didn't want Alaska to have the only bridge to nowhere.

Love the idea of a pedestrian bridge. Maybe with more outdoor activity and things to do downtown, it'll help the downtown area come back to life. Always good to reclycle stuff too!

I'll just offering the editing: "help the downtown area come back to life MORE." I'm sure many of you have lived in Louisville longer than me, but I've been around long enough to remember when nobody went downtown (most of the 1980s). I even remember some cynicism about the Waterfront plans. All I hear now are crickets.

I'll bet it gets done a lot sooner than the East end bridge.. Thanks Riverfields for inconveniencing thousands of people everyday.

If you are going to start blaming people, there's plenty of blame to go around for everyone involved. Let's not single out the environmental watchdog group alone.

[Charles W.]

If you are going to start blaming people, there's plenty of blame to go around for everyone involved. Let's not single out the environmental watchdog group alone.

I'm not sure I would say that is a accurate description of River Fields.
Leo on River Fields