Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge Selected as Finalist for Oregon Parks District Planning Grant

 

By SUE CATHCART/for The Herald  —  The historic trestle bridge over Salmon Creek is one step closer to being repaired and restored for recreational use. The Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge was selected as a finalist to receive grant funding from the Oregon Recreation and Parks District (ORPD).

A joint grant effort

Volunteers on the Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge Committee and the City of Oakridge recently submitted a grant application for $40,000. The final recipients of the grant will be released on September 20. If awarded, the grant will fund a detailed engineering study.  The study would determine the repairs required and the associated costs to convert the historic bridge for recreational use.

Converting the trestle ties recreational activities together

The existing abandoned bridge  is a prime candidate for conversion for pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized use. The trestle is no longer suitable for commercial or industrial use. Also, converting the bridge to pedestrian and bicycle use will provide the only non-motorized link between many areas of Oakridge. The bridge would link Greenwaters Park, Salmon Creek Park, the Mill Park areas, and the Uptown Commercial district. It will link community parks, existing trail systems, while also providing safe access to people of all ages and abilities to more recreation opportunities. The pedestrian bridge would also provide safe routes to schools and parks. Furthermore, it would provide stunning views of Salmon Creek and its surrounding natural habitats.

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