Those who have driven Interstate 540 might be familiar with the so-called “bridge to nowhere” in Rogers.
From the freeway near Pinnacle Hills Promenade, the pedestrian bridge is quite visible.
It’s a nice bridge that cost $166,000. But for about two years it has sat by itself rather conspicuously, waiting to be linked to something.
Soon it will be a bridge to somewhere. It will become part of the Razorback Greenway, a trail system that eventually will connect Bella Vista to .
A groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier this month to mark the beginning of work on a 16-mile stretch of the Greenway. This portion will connectRogers, Lowell and Springdale to trails in Bentonville and Fayetteville.
Once complete the Greenway will cover 36 miles. It will be 12 feet wide and paved.
Some people who hear about the Razorback Greenway might say, “Great, but I wish they were adding lanes to I-540 instead.”
True, expanding I-540 should be a priority. Work already is under way to expand a small section of the freeway in Fayetteville, and additional such work is planned.
But we should properly celebrate the Greenway, too. It is an obvious win for the entire region. Those residents who enjoy walking, running and bicycling - and we know there are many - will enjoy this trail tremendously. It will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and bike to work. It’s also going to provide easy access to three hospitals, 23 schools, the University of Arkansas and NorthWest Arkansas Community College, as well as landmarks such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The Greenway is significant from a symbolic standpoint too. It is something else that binds Benton and Washington counties.
People around here take pride in more than just their own city; they also take pride in Northwest Arkansas. The Greenway provides a literal connection between communities, thus drawing us all a little closer.
The trail is expected to cost between $30 million and $40 million. Part of the money is coming from a $15 million Walton Family Foundation grant.
It’s a lot of money, but money well spent.
Northwest Arkansas has much to gain from the Greenway from a quality-of-life perspective. It’s an exciting project we can’t wait to see completed.
Opinion, Pages 12 on 06/24/2012