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Pedestrian bridge over I‑41 near West High rises in urgency after federal grant progress stalled
Summary
Council heard staff describe a previously planned pedestrian/bicycle bridge project across Interstate 41 near West High School that scored highly in safety planning and has potential federal funding but awaits final federal agreement amid recent administrative pauses.
City staff told the council they are pursuing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Interstate 41 near West High School and Taft Avenue to address recurring safety concerns at crossings and to connect neighborhoods to parks and school facilities.
Staff explained the project has appeared in the city’s bicycle and pedestrian plans since 2011 and again in a 2019 update. The bridge also rose in priority during a recent comprehensive safety action plan. Staff said the project scored highly for safety and that the city pursued federal grant funding that could cover an estimated 80% of costs.
A federal grant had advanced to near‑final agreement, but staff said the Federal Highway Administration paused work when staff at USDOT were instructed to stop processing some grant agreements under a change in administration; USDOT resumed review later but some clauses required rework. Staff said the application is back under review and that the city was near the stage for an executed agreement but had not yet received a final, executed grant contract.
Staff described potential alignment near West High School that would improve access to West High, Pollock Pool/Water Park and neighborhood destinations but acknowledged some right‑of‑way or land acquisition could be required. Council members asked for additional detail on exact alignment and the rationale for the project; staff said the project addresses documented pedestrian/bicycle safety problems along the highway corridor.
Ending
No contract or obligation was executed at the workshop. Staff will continue to work with federal partners to finalize the grant agreement and to refine alignment and acquisition needs before returning with more detailed plans.
