Unique Trail Bridges Create Tourism Draw

SNYDER & ASSOCIATES

The rapid and continual expansion of multi-use trails across  the United States has opened a new world of recreation and  exercise options. Along with the trails, pedestrian bridges  have experienced a comparable increase in the construction  of unique, iconic, and picturesque structures to complete  trail connections. Spanning rivers, lakes, roadways, and  valleys, these bridges are no longer simply utilitarian pieces  of infrastructure that connect point A to point B. Instead, the  bridge often becomes its own destination.

Many of these bridges have been designed by engineers  to be both functional and visually appealing, with features  such as arches, curves, and different colors and textures.  Some bridges are also built with artistic elements such as  sculptures, ornaments, and lighting, adding to the overall  aesthetic appeal. The Trestle-to-Trestle Bridge in Johnston, IA  is a prime example. This bridge has quickly become a major  draw, not only for nearby residents in search of recreational  opportunities but also for tourists who are drawn to the  intricate light displays that illuminate the structure at night.

Railroad bridges along abandoned stretches of track have  also become incredibly popular as the Rail-Trail concept  has taken off. Giving these structures a second life as a trail  bridge can greatly reduce expenses for the owner community  when compared to building a new structure. The High Trestle  Trail Bridge between Woodward and Madrid, IA highlights the  impact of reusing a railroad bridge on a massive scale. This  2,530-foot-long, 130-foot-tall bridge over the Des Moines  River was constructed on nearly two dozen existing concrete  piers from a former railroad bridge. This structure not only  draws recreational trail users but also has become a magnet  for railroad and train buffs who enjoy viewing the repurposed  structure.

Some trail bridges draw visitors because they’re visually  attractive, and they provide access to equally stunning  scenery. The Mark C. Ackelson Trail Bridge in Easter Lake  Park checks both of those boxes. It seemed unlikely at fi rst,  but this pedestrian bridge has become a tourist attraction in  its own right. People visiting the park make it a point to stroll  across the bridge and catch the one-of-a-kind views over the  restored wetlands. The entire span is well-lit and features  several viewing outcrops along the way for people who need  to rest periodically on the journey, take in the breathtaking  landscape, or simply want to sit and watch other pedestrians  go by.

Reprinted from Snyder & Associates Newsletter

IMPROVED ACCESS, ECONOMIC BOOST & INCREASED RECREATION

In providing connections across once-impassable spaces,  bridges and trestles can address environmental and equitable  access concerns in areas where people otherwise would  need motorized transportation. At the same time, they can  be critical in linking together larger networks of trails, which  serve as major tourism draws and economic engines.

The construction of trail bridges creates jobs for the local  community and increases economic activity by boosting  local businesses. And as part of hiking and biking trails, they  can provide access to parks, nature preserves, and other  recreational areas. When strategically positioned, they’re  often used as backdrops or gathering places for community  events and festivals, providing a unique and memorable  experience for participants. ■

Recent Trail Bridge Projects

Trestle-to-Trestle Bridge

Beaver Creek, Johnston, IA

In the spring of 2019, the Trestle-to-Trestle Trail  Bridge over Beaver Creek, Johnston, IA, was severely  damaged by an ice dam and collapsed. The former  trail bridge was originally a 316-foot-long timber and  steel railroad bridge that had been repurposed for trail  use. When the ice dam caused its collapse, designers  knew they needed to create a replacement that could  withstand greater threats from fl ooding and debris.  The Snyder & Associates team along with structural  subsidiary, Shuck-Britson, were able to create a  replacement bridge that far surpassed the structural  stability of its damaged predecessor.

The fi nal design for the new bridge is a much more  solid structure that incorporates modern aesthetics with practical design applications. A customized LED  lighting system is incorporated into the design and is  unique to a structure of this type. It not only illuminates  the bridge deck and approaching trail path but also  the underside of the bridge. The lighting system can  be programmed to change colors in a near-unlimited  pattern, sequence, or timeframe, creating a one-ofkind visual attraction for trail users and vehicle traffi  c  on nearby Interstate 80.

2,526-foot-long span to accommodate the increased  hydraulic pressures created by the Saylorville Dam  and Reservoir project just 15 miles downstream. When  the railroad went bankrupt a few short years later,  the bridge sat largely unused for several decades.  When the idea for the trail bridge was introduced,  the massive concrete bridge piers had barely been  “broken in” and could easily provide the solid footing  needed for the trail bridge. The resulting structure is a  major draw for not only recreational trail users but also  railroad tourists who travel to the site to experience  this grand reuse of a rail structure.

High Trestle Trail Bridge Des Moines River, Madrid, IA

The focal point of the High Trestle Trail is the  impressively long bridge over the Des Moines River  valley between Madrid and Woodward, IA. Constructed  on existing concrete piers from a former railroad  bridge, the Snyder & Associates team coordinated  with public artist David Dahlquist on the design of  the bridge.

While the original steel girder railroad bridge was  built at the location in 1913, it was replaced by the  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1973 with a new

Mark C. Ackelson Trail Bridge

Easter Lake, Des Moines, IA

As part of the Easter Lake, Des Moines, IA, restoration  project, a separate but coordinated component of the  plan was the creation of a trail project to encompass  the lake and connect with other area attractions.  Named in honor of the former Iowa Natural Heritage  Foundation president Mark C. Ackelson, the trail  project was designed by the Snyder & Associates  team and included a signature trail bridge.

The stunning Ackelson Trail Bridge is located at the  west end of the trail and serves as an impressive  focal point with overlooks at each pier. The tranquil  environment and magnificent views draw nearby  residents, as well as regional visitors to experience  this one-of-a-kind trail bridge and surrounding park.

Around the world, bridges have long served as  the hallmarks, gateways, and centerpieces of  communities, providing connectivity that has a  major impact on active transportation, tourism, and  economic development. They can be an important  part of community development and can even help  to revitalize local economies.

Above all, pedestrian trail bridges can be more than  just functional structures, they can be destination  locations that attract tourists, create jobs, and provide  recreational opportunities. ■