Alliant Energy LightLine bridge moves toward construction with public hearing

CEDAR RAPIDS — The dream of a pedestrian bridge spanning the Cedar River is getting closer to reality following a public hearing last week.

On Tuesday, the Cedar Rapids City Council adopted plans for — and held a hearing on — the proposed Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge, a project that’s estimated to cost $11.3 million.

"This represents what we can do in Cedar Rapids," said Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell. She cited the extensive involvement of public and private groups in bringing the showpiece bridge to the brink of construction.

Council member Dale Todd said the project has taken a long time but he's glad it's going forward.

The bridge will connect Czech Village and NewBo as part of the $20 million grassroots ConnectCR initiative. Once complete, the bridge will be part of Cedar Rapids’ segment of the American Discovery Trail for pedestrians and bicyclists. It also is part of the Great American Rail-Trail.

The ConnectCR project, whose beginnings go back to the 1970s, also will include enhancements to recreation around Cedar Lake, including a new trail on the east side of the lake, fishing piers, jetties, an ADA-compliant kayak launch, a playground, shelter and restrooms.

Work on the Cedar Lake Trail enhancements is scheduled to begin by next summer.

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The Alliant Energy LightLine bridge be 18 feet wide and can be used by pedestrians and bicyclists, with room to travel, or sit and take in the scenery. It will feature a tower with two lighting systems. One is an LED-lighted internal system, which at night will appear to twinkle and will have multiple color options. The external lighting will flow from the base of the bridge and illuminate the cables as well as the tower itself.

Alliant Energy contributed $1 million to the ConnectCR project as part of more than $8 million in private funds that support the project.

The bidding deadline for the bridge project is Dec. 12.