Gadsden receives $690K for new pedestrian bridge over Coosa River

The planned pedestrian bridge across the Coosa River in Etowah County received good news earlier this month, securing funds for the initial phases of the project.

The City of Gadsden announced it has received a $690,000 grant from Innovate Alabama to the engineering + design of the new pedestrian bridge.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this grant. When we first put together the GROW Gadsden master plan, building a vision for the riverfront was a major part of it. And one of the centerpieces of that plan is a pedestrian bridge across the Coosa River to connect our downtown with East Gadsden. This project will have effects on Gadsden far beyond being a beautiful place for a walk.”

Craig Ford, Gadsden mayor

Keep reading to learn more about the project + its estimated timeline.

Gadsden’s pedestrian bridge

Gadsden believes a new pedestrian bridge can help increase foot traffic to local business while stimulating growth on the riverfront + boosting local tourism. It will also improve the city’s walkability + connectivity to regional trail systems.

With Gadsden’s planned addition of a hotel on the downtown side of the river, the pedestrian bridge will also provide a critical link to The Venue at Coosa Landing, one of Northeast Alabama’s premiere meeting spaces and conference centers.

“This will provide another way for people to navigate across our city. It opens up new, safer routes for exercise and travel. We’re making Gadsden more attractive for everyone to want to bring their talents and put down roots here.”

Craig Ford, Gadsden mayor

The $690,000 grant is expecting to cover the majority of the cost for the engineering, design + surveying phases. There is currently no estimate for the construction cost.

Innovate Alabama supports outdoor recreation projects that strengthen quality of life and enhance community connectivity. Through strategic investments in outdoor assets and infrastructure, the organization helps communities leverage recreation as a tool for economic competitiveness and talent attraction and retention.

“I want to thank Innovate Alabama for seeing the potential in our plans for this pedestrian bridge and the major impact it will have on Gadsden. I also want to thank our citizens who contributed to the GROW Gadsden master plan and our staff who are constantly working to keep us moving forward.”

Craig Ford, Gadsden mayor