A meeting is slated for tonight at the Blairsville High School for the public to get a look at the design for the new pedestrian bridge planned to span Route 22 in Burrell Township.
The bridge will provide safe access for pedestrians to cross over the busy highway, and will serve as a vital link in the county’s system of walking and biking trails.
While not directly connecting the Hoodlebug Trail with Blairsville’s Riverfront Trail as well as the West Penn Trail, it would make the connection possible. The bridge would essentially connect Cornell Road on the north side of 22 to the Park-and Ride lot on the south side.
On Indiana In the Morning yesterday, Jeff Raykes of the county Planning and Development Office said persistent efforts have helped secure funding for what will be a worthwhile project. A series of state and federal grants will help pay for the bridge, which has an estimated cost of $2.9 million. The bridge will be about 200 feet long, with an eight-foot walking path. It will stand twenty feet over the highway, with stairs to enable access. Switchback ramps will ensure compliance with ADA requirements.
The meeting tonight is from 5 to 8 PM in the Blairsville High School cafeteria. It will feature preliminary drawings by Gibson-Thomas Engineering, and will be done open-house style.
