How $1.6 million will be used to rehabilitate pedestrian bridge

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Newly announced work on College Street Bridge will likely begin this summer.

Gov. Andy Beshear presented the city with $1.6 million Thursday to begin rehabilitation on the College Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Officials said the bridge is structurally sound but keeping up maintenance, like bracing and decking repairs, is important for the historic landmark.

“We have to take our time and spend what we need to spend to maintain it,” said Bowling Green City Engineer Melissa Cansler. “Just like our streets need to be overlaid, our sidewalks need to be patched, we need to take the time and inspect this bridge on a regular basis and just do the small things. Because I think the small things would keep us from having to do really big things.”

Repairs on the College Street Bridge are part of a bigger plan to keep the city connected.

The College Street bridge connects downtown to the riverfront and Weldon Peete Park, where construction on a separate pedestrian crossing underneath the River Street or Old Louisville Road bridge is almost complete.

City leaders plan to build out a trail under the bridge this month that will include lighting and fencing.