Connecting Communities
Pedestrian bridge opens in Crestwood
I-71 crossing opens for cyclists, walkers have
CRESTWOOD, Ky. (August 2014) – Oldham County officials and residents on July 14 celebrated the opening of the new pedestrian bridge, located over I-71 near Exit 17 in Buckner, Ky. The bridge connects two segments of Old LaGrange Road that were separated by the construction of I-71. The bridge, which is located on the east side of the CSX railroad bridge, can be seen traveling south on I-71.
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Photo provided Oldham County officials and residents mark the July 14 opening of the new pedestrian bridge near Buckner. Pictured from left are Jim Urban, Oldham County Planning Director; Leanne Kommer, president of Greenways for Oldham County; Matt Bullock, KYTC District 5 Chief Engineer; Paula Gish, former Oldham County Deputy Judge- Executive; and David Voegele, Oldham County Judge-Executive. |
The new bridge is an important component of the Oldham County Bike, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan to create increased access for non-motorized transportation throughout Oldham County, officials say. The bridge provides a safer route between La Grange, Buckner and Crestwood for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Approximately five miles of various trail sections have been built in Oldham County, including one in downtown La Grange starting at the Train Depot, along Commerce Parkway and in Wendell Moore Park. The overall goal of the Master Plan is to complete a continuous route from La Grange to Pewee Valley and eventually connect with the Louisville Loop at the Jefferson County line.
The pedestrian bridge was completed as a cooperative effort of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Oldham County Fiscal Court and Oldham County Greenways. Oldham County Fiscal Court was responsible for the design and engineering phase using URS Corp. for engineering services. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet managed the right of way, utility and construction phases.
As the original visionaries of the Oldham County Bike, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan, Oldham County Greenways, a non-profit citizen group, has been involved throughout the process including a financial donation to the project at its onset for surveying. The project was funded with federal transportation dollars overseen by the Federal Highway Administration. Construction of the bridge was bid at $1.17 million and was built by MAC Construction & Excavating Inc.