At many places along Highway 31 in Vestavia it is like the arcade game Frogger. You dodge cars and try not to get run over. That’s about to change at one specific popular location.

The much-anticipated construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Wald Park and the Vestavia Public Library has received final approval from the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Vestavia Hills Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCauley sent Bham Now the following comments describing the project and its importance to the community.

“Once completed, the pedestrian bridge will provide a safe means of crossing Highway 31 to access amenities on both sides of the highway – Wald Park, Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex, Library in the Forest and Boulder Canyon Trail, as well as the elementary school, Vestavia Hills Elementary West.”
Cinnamon McCulley, Assistant City Manager, Vestavia Hills

Vestavia Hill to become more walkable

The new bridge will make Vestavia a much more walkable community.

Here are the specifics about the bridge:

Length: 143 feet long or about half a football field
Elevator/Stair towers
About 300-feet of sidewalk will be removed and reconstructed on the East side
About 280-feet of new sidewalk will be built on the west side
Completion: Summer 2025

Expanding community spaces and parks have been a major priority for the city of Vestavia Hills.

“Over the last few years, we have completed approximately $60 million in community spaces and infrastructure projects city-wide, all aimed at improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors to our city.”
Cinnamon McCulley, Assistant City Manager, Vestavia Hills

Vestavia Hills is thrilled

The new pedestrian bridge will not only make the community more walkable and safer, it links schools, the park, trails and the library.

“Our elected officials and City staff are thrilled that this major component of pedestrian connectivity will come to fruition in the very near future.”
Cinnamon McCulley, Assistant City Manager, Vestavia Hills

Are you excited to see the linking of the library and Wald Park? Tell us what you think on Instagram by tagging us in the comment section at @bhamnow!