‘Sleeping giant’ being razed to clear way for pedestrian-bike bridge in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A railway bridge over the Cedar River that has been an eyesore for years is being removed to clear the way for a new pedestrian-bike bridge that’s part of the $20 million ConnectCR project.

A demolition crew was on the river this week to remove the old CRANDIC/Rock Island Railroad Bridge. Demolition is expected to be completed in the spring, with construction of the new bridge scheduled to begin in late 2024.

The new Alliant Energy LightLine pedestrian-bike bridge will be built across the river near Mount Trashmore, connecting the NewBo District on the east side of the river and the Czech Village District on the west.

The railroad bridge was built around 1865 as a crossing for trains, with a walkway on its south side. Workers — many of them Czech immigrants — used the walkway to cross the river to the nearby Sinclair packing plant.

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“As much as we admired the old bridge, I used to refer to it as a ‘sleeping giant’ in the river,” said Steve Sovern, ConnectCR board treasurer and early promoter of the pedestrian-bike bridge idea.

“And as much as I love its rich history, we’re excited to move this project forward and get another step closer to having a pedestrian bridge that connects the two sides of our city.”

Elements of the project include recycling pieces of the railroad bridge — which was destroyed in the 2008 flood — to use in signage telling the bridge’s history.

“The process of recycling and repurposing bridge components will be an important, visible symbol of the years of work that brought us to this point,” Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said in a news release from ConnectCR.

“It will reflect our commitment to sustainable practices and keeping our history alive, showcasing how we handle challenges and work together to build a stronger future,” he said.

The new bridge and its 165-foot tower will be outlined in LED lights with the support of an ITC Midwest donation. The lighting is intended to create an iconic image and destination near the base of Mount Trashmore.

Visitors will be able to view the city skyline from the bridge’s west side, where the tower will be located.

Sovern said every year, for the past six years, he’s said, “We’re probably going to start on it next year.”

“And I meant it every year,” Sovern said. “This year is actually when it’s starting. It’s the end of a long journey, but one that’s very fulfilling.”

The bridge also will become a signature element of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, which is part of two cross-country trails — the Great American Rail-Trail and the American Discovery Trail.

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“We have always talked about the bridge and Cedar Lake being bookends to each other and today we are starting to see that vision become reality,” said Cedar Rapids City Council member Dale Todd.

Todd began advocating for the revitalization of the 120-acre Cedar Lake and surrounding park area two decades ago as a private citizen and also has been an advocate of the rail-pedestrian bridge.

“Here’s to all of the people who have helped shape that vision over the years,” he said.

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