New pedestrian bridge coming to Vestavia on U.S. 31

The City of Vestavia Hills is getting a new pedestrian bridge connecting Wald Park on the West side of Highway 31 to the Vestavia Hills Library on the East side of Highway 31. Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming project.

A long-awaited project

Discussions about building a bridge connecting the East and West sides of Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills have been in the works for a decade, but things like budgeting and design issues have delayed its construction.

After being awarded a contract by the Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday, Gresham Smith will oversee the construction of the new pedestrian bridge.

The new pedestrian bridge

ALDOT will pay 80% of design service costs, leaving the remaining $14,397 to the City of Vestavia Hills.

Blair Perry, Gresham Smith’s Project Principal, said construction on the pedestrian bridge will begin in Spring 2024 and will be completed in Summer 2025. The pedestrian bridge will be made of pre-fabricated steel trusses, complete with:

• Lighting features
• Elevators and stairs
• Branding for the City of Vestavia Hills

Solving an issue in Vestavia

Once the pedestrian bridge is built, people will have no problem crossing busy highway traffic, which has been an issue for members of the Vestavia Hills community.

By Summer 2025, the new pedestrian bridge will be a “showplace for the City of Vestavia Hills,” according to Perry.

Excited to see this new project in Vestavia? Tag us @bhamnow to share your thoughts!

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