Northeast Alabama city eyeing pedestrian bridge over the Coosa River

The City of Gadsden is taking significant steps toward reimagining its waterfront, with officials exploring plans for a new pedestrian bridge spanning the Coosa River.

Funding Secured for Initial Planning

City leadership recently announced the receipt of a $690,000 grant from Innovate Alabama. These funds are earmarked to cover the bulk of the engineering, design, and surveying requirements for the bridge project. Innovate Alabama, an organization dedicated to technology, small business, and innovation, is supporting the city's broader economic development goals.

A Piece of a Larger Riverfront Puzzle

While a formal construction timeline has not been set, the pedestrian bridge serves as a major component of a comprehensive riverfront redevelopment strategy. This push includes the Coosa Harbor mixed-use development, an initiative inspired by the success of Guntersville’s City Harbor project. The proposed Coosa Harbor site, located off Rainbow Drive, has sat vacant for over two decades.

Beyond new construction, Gadsden is actively working to relocate a 1.2-mile segment of U.S. 411 further from the river. The goal is to transform the existing highway footprint into vibrant pedestrian green space, entertainment districts, and additional waterfront developments.

Connecting the Community

Mayor Craig Ford emphasized that the bridge is a centerpiece of the GROW Gadsden master plan, designed to bridge the gap between the downtown area and East Gadsden. According to the Mayor, the project will ultimately link a planned downtown hotel with the city’s Venue at Coosa Landing.

“When we first put together the GROW Gadsden master plan, building a vision for the riverfront was a major part of it,” Mayor Ford said. “And one of the centerpieces of that plan is a pedestrian bridge across the Coosa River to connect our downtown with East Gadsden. This project will have effects on Gadsden far beyond being a beautiful place for a walk.”

As 205focus.com reported, the project aims to do more than just beautify the riverfront; it is about infrastructure for the future. “This will provide another way for people to navigate across our city,” Ford added. “It opens up new, safer routes for exercise and travel. We’re making Gadsden more attractive for everyone to want to bring their talents and put down roots here.”