Riverfront Park’s South Suspension Pedestrian Bridge Renovation Begins Next Week

Detour routes through the park begin Monday, May 8

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Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:16 a.m.


SPOKANE – Reconstruction of the south suspension pedestrian bridge in Riverfront Park will begin next week, and re-open to the public in the spring of 2024.

The pair of south and north suspension bridges were built 50 years ago. The north suspension bridge underwent a complete renovation in 2021/2022, and the south suspension bridge will receive almost identical repairs in 2023/2024: new deck, repair/replacement of corroded steel floor beams, railing modifications, and repair/replacement of lighting and electrical components.

Due to its condition, the south bridge was closed in May 2022. The north suspension bridge and snx? mene? island will also be temporarily closed beginning Monday, May 8 to accommodate construction. Pedestrian detours will continue along the Howard Street Promenade through the center of the park.

When the bridge was closed last year, a funding plan was devised, and in April, the Park Board approved a contract with Garco Construction for $2.1 million. The total budget for the project is $2.8 million, including design, engineering, and construction management. Funding comes from a $1.4 million Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office grant, matched by $1.4 million in City of Spokane real estate excise tax (REET) funding allocated by the City Council.

“The north and south suspension bridges were built for Expo ‘74, and as we near the 50th anniversary of Expo, it’s reassuring to know these two bridges, that offer some of the best view of our river falls, will be here for another 50 years,” said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation.

 

About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, conservation lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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