This pedestrian and bicycle bridge and the adjoining trail connect three riverfront parks in Historic Downtown Salem:

More than 20 miles of trails for walking, running, and biking enable residents and tourists to explore Salem’s riverfront and downtown. This project complements the renovation of the Historic Union Street Railroad Bridge.

Project Costs

The $10 million project funding comes from various sources, including federal, state, and local resources, as well as the Riverfront Downtown and South Waterfront Urban Renewal Areas, the Salem Keizer Area Transportation Study (SKATS), the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), Business Oregon, and the Department of Transportation.

Project Benefits

Connecting Parks and Employment

  • The project serves as a significant amenity for downtown employers, helping to attract and retain employees.
  • It enhances downtown travel on foot or by bike during lunchtime or after work.

Increasing Home Values in the Area

  • A 2011 National Homebuyers Association survey found that access to parks and recreational trails is the second most important factor for homebuyers.
  • A 2008 CEOs for Cities study revealed that homes in areas with above-average walkability and bikeability are worth over $34,000 more than those in average areas.
  • Residents and employers value access to parks and recreation as key community asset.

Attracting Downtown Visitors

  • The project provides an additional attraction for visitors to downtown for shopping, dining, and events at the Salem Conference Center.
  • Increased recreational opportunities will boost demand for local businesses, including bicycle shops, running equipment stores, and nearby restaurants.
  • Other cities report that shoppers who arrive on foot or by bike visit more frequently and return often, as they do not struggle to find parking.

Recreational Events and Tourism

  • The miles of connecting trails along waterways and through parks will create opportunities for marathons and recreational events, bringing new investment to downtown.
  • Visitor spending strengthens the local economy by supporting 6,220 jobs and generating $2.5 million in local tax revenue.
  • Oregon's Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway will be re-routed over the bridge and trail, likely expanding ridership along this popular statewide route.

Image and Identity

  • The bridge's design is unique to Oregon, and will help shape Salem's image, skyline, and waterfront for years to come.
  • This project complements the renovation of the Historic Union Street Railroad Bridge.

Sustainability

  • The bridge, trail, and efforts to acquire Minto Island align with the Willamette River Legacy Program, which aims to improve river access, expand parks in the Willamette Greenway, and enhance this former industrial site for passive recreation, wildlife viewing, and habitat restoration.