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Charley Western Recreational Trail Bridge official opens Sunday

Charley Western Recreational Trail Bridge official opens Sunday
The new Cedar River bridge on the Charley Western Recreational Trail in Charles City will officially be opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1. The bridge replaces one that was closed for safety reasons in April 2017 then torn down in 2018. The bridge includes two “bump-out” areas in the middle for people to stop and sightsee without obstructing pedestrian or bicycle traffic. Benches will be installed in the bump-outs. Press photo by Bob Steenson
Charley Western Recreational Trail Bridge official opens Sunday
The new Cedar River bridge on the Charley Western Recreational Trail in Charles City will officially be opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1. The bridge replaces one that was closed for safety reasons in April 2017 then torn down in 2018.  Press photo by Bob Steenson
By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

In 2018, the 108-year-old Charley Western Recreational Trail Bridge — a former railroad bridge — tumbled into the Cedar River while a crew was attempting to dismantle it.

The bridge that has taken its place is ready for its official ribbon-cutting and mass crossing on Sunday afternoon.

Mayor Dean Andrews said the ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday. People are encouraged to gather on the west end of the bridge off Grand Avenue. Andrews encouraged those driving to the ceremony to park in the Comp Systems Treasure Chest parking lot.

“All are welcome to come and open the new bridge,” he said. “I think we’ll have a ribbon-cutting and walk across the bridge.”

Andrews said the lights have been installed on the bridge as well. Not originally included in the new bridge contract, the City Council approved adding the lights in June and private donations have paid the cost, he said.

“Sunday will also be the kickoff to lighting the trail from the bridge to Clark Street, which is a big project,” Andrews said.

“We don’t have all the facts and figures down yet as far as what that cost will be. We’ve been working with the lighting consultant who did the lights on the bridge as far as how many lights we’ll need,” he said.

“Sunday will be congratulations, we made it this far. Guess what? We’re going further.”

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