Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Parks & Recreation: 311 or 509.755.2489
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 11:03 a.m.
SPOKANE – Reconstruction of the north suspension pedestrian bridge in Riverfront Park will begin in May, and re-open to the public in the winter or spring of 2022.
The bridge is in need of a new deck, repair/replacement of corroded steel floor beams, and repair/replacement of lighting and electrical components.
“The north and south suspension bridges were built for Expo ‘74, and offer up-close views of the roaring river falls. Because of their age, they are in need of significant repair, and we’re grateful for the funding collaboration to restore these iconic bridges for the next 50 years,” said Garrett Jones, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Spokane.
Vital Avista utilities that supply power to the North Bank run underneath the bridge. Avista will install temporary overhead power during bridge repairs, and then return the power lines under the bridge before it reopens to the public.
The south suspension bridge and snx? mene? island will also be closed to accommodate construction.
Background
The north bridge closed in April of 2019, just as the adjacent, newly renovated Howard Street Promenade was opening.
A bridge study had identified the need for a new deck and other structural upgrades, and damage from the winter 2018/2019 season sped up the timeline for needed repairs. Initial bids in the fall of 2019 came in over budget, and shortly thereafter, COVID-19 financial impacts put all non-bond capital projects on pause.
A re-bid this March produced construction bids within budget. Garco Construction was the low responsive bidder, and the Spokane Park Board awarded a contract to Garco at the April 8 Park Board meeting.
Funding
The project is slated to cost $3 million dollars. $505,000 comes from the Riverfront Park Redevelopment bond, $495,000 from the Park Fund, $500,000 from a Washington State Recreation and Conservation office grant of matching funds, $500,000 from a West Quadrant TIF local grant, and $1,000,000 from the City’s general fund.
South bridge
The south suspension bridge is in need of similar repairs, though to a lesser degree, and the bridge remains safely open for the public to use while a funding plan is developed (with the exception of its closure to accommodate the north suspension bridge construction). The estimated budget for the south bridge is $1.75 million dollars, and Parks has applied for partial funding through a state grant.
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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The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
