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 allow residents and tourists to explore Salem’s riverfront and downtown. The project complements the Historic Union Street Railroad Bridge renovation.

Project Costs

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

Project Benefits

Connecting Parks and Employment

  • Significant amenity for Downtown employers. Important for attracting and retaining employees.
  • Added enhancement for downtown travel on foot or bike at lunchtime or after work.

Increasing Home Values in the Area

  • 2011 National Homebuyers Association survey cited that access to parks and recreational trails is the #2 factor for homebuyers.
  • 2008 CEOs for Cities study found that homes located 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

  • Provides another attraction for people visiting Downtown for shopping, dining, parks, or attending events at Salem Conference Center.
  • Additional recreational opportunities increase demand for local businesses, including bicycle shops, running equipment stores, and nearby restaurants.
  • Other cities report that shoppers who arrive by foot or bike make more frequent visits and return often, since they don't have to struggle to find parking.

Recreational Events and Tourism

  • Miles of connecting trails along waterways and through parks offers opportunities for marathons and recreational events, which bring new investment to Downtown.
  • Visitor dollars strengthen the local economy by supporting 6,220 jobs and generating $2.5M in local tax revenue.
  • Oregon's Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway will be re-routed over the bridge and trail. Enhancements are likely to expand 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.
  • The project complements the Historic Union Street Railroad Bridge renovation.

Sustainability

  • The bridge, trail, and efforts to pursue funding for acquiring Minto Island are consistent with the Willamette River Legacy Program. The program aims to improve river access, expand parks in the Willamette Greenway, and build upon efforts to enhance this former industrial site for passive recreation, wildlife viewing, and habitat restoration.