TY - JOUR PY - 2002// TI - Historic footbridge renovation draws community together : public- private funding partnership makes project a reality JO - APWA reporter A1 - Thornsberry, M. A1 - Tate, B. SP - 19 EP - 21 VL - 70 IS - 1 N2 - A historically significant footbridge in Springfield, Missouri, was refurbished in time for its centennial thanks to a citywide effort linking the communities connected by the bridge and local and state transportation officials who secured funding from state, city and federal funds to pay for the $637,000 in repairs and improvements. Built in 1902, the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge is a link to the commercial district downtown across a 13-track rail yard that once symbolized the city's status as a railway boomtown. Structural weaknesses were far more extensive than originally thought, but the work also inspired a widespread community reaction in support of the project. Less tangible benefits include a renewed pedestrian access across the 562-ft. span, one of the longest of its type in the U.S., and beautification as the result of a new lighting system that makes it a dramatic landmark structure at night. A farmer's market now operates at one end, and it has become a centerpiece for local cultural events.

LA - SN - 0092-4873 UR - http://dx.doi.org/ ID - ref1 ER -