Smith Rock fans rejoice: The new, delayed pedestrian footbridge is open
(Update: Comments by park manager)
Still a bit of work to do, so visitors advised to watch for contractors
TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Smith Rock climbers, hikers and sightseers rejoice: The new, wider footbridge, in the works for nearly two months, is ready to welcome you, with the project complete a few weeks late due to damage to a wooden beam in transport.
Smith Rock State Park announced quietly in a website posting that the new pedestrian bridge over the Crooked River will be open Saturday, restoring access to trails and climbing areas just in time for what could be the warmest weekend for the rest of the year.
The unofficial go-to guide at SmithRock.com said the new span actually was open again as of Friday.
It noted the old bridge was built nearly a half-century ago and reconstructed about 30 years ago, and had significant wear and needed replacing. The new bridge is eight feet wide, about two feet wider than its predecessor, and will better accommodate not only park visitors, but first responders during rescue operations.
Thew new bridge had been slated to open in mid-September, but a wooden support beam was damaged on the way down into the canyon during a complicated delivery that required a full day of slowly maneuvering six beams down to the bridge site.
“Smith Rock State Park is thrilled to have a beautiful footbridge that will increase safety and serve the public well into the future. The new bridge will accommodate the increased visitation by allowing for two-way traffic across the river, and it will continue to provide critical access to the park’s main climbing and hiking areas for many years to come,” said Park Manager Matt Davey.
Visitors can now access the hiking trails and climbing areas that were closed during construction including: River Trail, Misery Ridge, Mesa Verde, Summit Trail, Wolftree Trail and Burma Road Trail.
Access was closed for nearly eight weeks as crews worked hard to remove the old bridge and build the new one in a complicated environment that included sensitive habitat and protected species as well as large equipment in a narrow canyon.
“Thanks for everyone’s patience during this complex project," Davey said. "The contractor did an excellent job under very challenging conditions.”
“Restoration work will continue near the footbridge over the next couple of weeks, so expect to see contractors continuing work in the area. Please be considerate when passing through,” Davey added.
