Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge
Riverfront Downtown URA - Frequently Asked Questions about Minto.
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Next Steps
In May 2008, due to navigability and environmental concerns, Council directed staff to explore a set of four bridge design alternatives, including cost estimates, permitting, and timelines.
On March 23, 2009, City Council chose to move forwared with a low clearance tied arch design. In addition, Council aughorized an application to the US Coast Guard for a preliminary determination of clearance requirements for crossing the Willamette Slough.
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Salem citizens have long envisioned a foot bridge connecting two popular parks along the Willamette River and downtown. The Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, planned to span the Willamette Slough from the south end of Riverfront Park to Minto Island, will connect users to existing trail systems and downtown Salem via a multi-use path.
Together, with the conversion of the historic Union Street Railroad Bridge into a bicycle and pedestrian facility, these two bridges will link more than 1,300 acres of popular downtown parks and about 26 miles of trails.
Minto Island Bridge Background
Currently, Minto-Brown Island Park is only accessible from River Road. River Road lacks designated bicycle lanes or sidewalks.
The Minto Island Bridge is identified in the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Plan, the Salem Transportation System Plan, and the Salem Comprehensive Park System Master Plan. Completing the Bridge is a City Council goal and is included as an important connectivity element in the Salem Vision 2020 Action Plan.
Permitting and Environmental Issues
The authorization for permitting of wetlands and other waters of the United States resides with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Department of State Lands. These agencies oversee removal and fill of wetlands and navigable waters, which includes the Willamette Slough. The Willamette Slough also meets the federal definition of a navigable waterway, so a Coast Guard permit will be needed for any structure spanning the slough. The Willamette River and the Slough are home to endangered species, provide essential fish habitat, and are considered environmentally sensitive waterways.
Documents
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Want to Get Involved?
The Friends of Two Bridges is a non-profit grassroots group dedicated to the design and construction of the Minto Island Bridge and the Union Street Railroad Bridge. In addition to gathering support for conversion of the Union Street Railroad Bridge, the group worked on its ribbon cutting ceremony and an interpretive display. The group is also gathering support for funding the Minto Island to Riverfront Park bridge connection.
The Friends of Two Bridges meets monthly, on the third Monday at 1:00 PM, in the Urban Development Conference Room.
Contact Hazel Patton at 503.581.4939 or email her at ptn1363@msn.com to be added to the email roster.
Also of interest: Residents are Invited to Participate in Park Restoration Design
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* Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge - Next Steps -3/23/09
* Council Worksession 12-08-08 OBEC PowerPoint (in PDF form)
* Bridge Concept Study
* Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ
Staff Contacts
Todd Klocke - 503.588.6178