ARTICLE
This City of Marion is seeking public input on the bridge design for the proposed pedestrian bridge over Marion Boulevard. The bridge is part of the CeMar Trail Project which extends from the southwestern City limits into Uptown Marion. To complete the trail project, the City will convert two abandoned railroad bridges into shared-use trail bridges. One of the bridges crosses Indian Creek and the other crosses Marion Boulevard. The design for the bridge over Indian Creek reuses the bridge girders and other elements, providing a continuation of the railroad theme. The existing rail bridge over Marion Boulevard is expected to be removed and replaced with a clear-span bridge over the roadway to allow greater flexibility for the future intersection of Alburnett Road and 7th Avenue. Three bridge designs for over Marion Boulevard have been created in partnership with Shoemaker Haaland and substance architecture. They range from traditional to modern in design. The fourth bridge design was created by a team of Iowa BIG students as a tribute to the former railroad. Residents are encouraged to view the designs and cast a vote for their favorite at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/JLTVLK9. A link to the survey is also available at www.cityofmarion.org. Initial funding for the CeMar Trail was secured through the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) in 2012, with additional funding awarded in 2015 and 2017. The total estimated cost for the trail project, including bridges, is $6.7 million. Public input will be gathered through the month of May, culminating with an open house and City Council decision anticipated at the beginning of June.