Arkansas’ Two Rivers Park Bridge proves “when people work together, dreams come true”

As I’ve blogged before, DOT is fully committed to supporting community efforts to treat cycling and walking as valued elements of the nation’s transportation system.

That’s why on Friday, I was pleased to help dedicate the Two Rivers Park Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Two Rivers Park Bridge is a beautiful, 1,300 foot pedestrian and bike bridge that is the last link in a bike and pedestrian trail system connecting 20 parks and 18 miles of trails in downtown Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County.  Eighty percent of the $5.3 million project was funded by DOT’s Federal Highway Administration.  The bridge will officially open to the public on July 23, and it is a beauty.

Video courtesy Gavin Lesnick, Arkansas Democrat Gazette

I want to send special thanks to Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines for his leadership on this project.  He and other local officials had the vision to create a wonderful chain of parks along the river between downtown Little Rock and Pinnacle Mountain.

As Judge Villines said at the dedication, “This trail of parks is witness to the fact that when people work together, dreams come true.” 

It was also great to see one my predecessors, former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, a native of Arkansas.  Secretary Slater was instrumental in helping secure funding for the nearby Big Dam Bridge, a complement to the Two Rivers Park Bridge.

As an avid cyclist, I was excited to see that this project truly has so much support from the community.  Even the 110 degree heat did not stop hundreds of bike enthusiasts from attending the event and taking their first ride across the new span.  I loved seeing them all out there, and I truly appreciate the heartfelt welcome they gave me.

 

Cycling is one of the few activities that gives us the chance to keep fit and reach a destination, or just enjoy the journey.  It brings families closer together, and people closer to nature. And, believe me, Arkansas has plenty of natural beauty to reward a cyclist.

An increasing demand for cycling opportunities is clearly a fact of life in America today.  So, we at DOT are proud to support bicycle and pedestrian-friendly projects like this one.

After the bridge dedication, I also had the opportunity to break ground on the first project of the much anticipated Bella Vista Bypass in Hiwasse with Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department Director Dan Flowers, and other state highway officials.  This project, funded in part by $10 million from a TIGER grant, will link important freight routes and open the region to economic growth.

Thank you to the people of Arkansas for your commitment to these important transportation enhancements.  They are truly an inspiration for communities across the country.  And the next time I come back, I look forward to bringing my bicycle.

Comments

[Wandoly Juarez]

Hello. My name is Wandoly and I am trying to make my dream come true while also increasing awareness to decrease the number of accidents due to distracted driving.It is becoming an increasing problem and I am glad that police officers are focusing on this issue; In fact we have officer on bikes give several tickets a day in front of my job to those who use their phones while driving.This problem needs to be on our minds at all times.
please vote for my poem on this site. It is to raise awareness and decrease the number of accidents due to distracted driving. It is a great cause and would provide me with a much needed opportunity to win a scholarship.

tell anyone you can.. and try voting every day. ends July 17th :
http://createrealimpact.com/view-entries/category/creative_writing/P20/

thanks,
Wandoly Juarez =]

[Bryan Germany]

The Little Rock cycling community is particularly pleased that the new Two Rivers Park bridge provides safe travel to many beautiful park destinations in Central Arkansas, eliminating a hazardous route along one of our busiest local highways.
We enjoyed your visit for the ribbon cutting, Secretary LaHood, and hope that you and your team enjoyed the beauty and hospitality of "The Natural State."

Bryan Germany
Mello Velo Cycling Club
Little Rock, Arkansas

[Jim Conner]

Thank you, Secretary LaHood, for participating in the dedication of this strategic and beautiful bridge in the Arkansas trails and parks' system. People of all ages, ethnicity, and socio-economic standing are ardent users of the nearby Big Dam Bridge and River Trail of which this is the newest element. They are there as walkers, runners, bicyclists, and skaters. You will note in the video that I was the first skater to cross the Two Rivers Bridge.
Again thank you for your leadership and pledge to garner a percentage of federal transportation funds for alternative mode to cars and trucks.

[Lynn Warren]

Our thanks to you, former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, our federal government and our local government entities, such as visionary Judge Buddy Villines for such smart leadership to help build pathways for alternative and safe transportation for commuting and recreational activities.

Our nation needs these critical connections, not only for our physical and mental health but also for safe alternatives for transportation.

Thanks again for your dedication and keep up the good work!

Lynn Warren, Arkansas State Parks

[Susan]

Wasnt this area once heavily gang infested? I think i remember a documentary on, "Banging in Little Rock" Good to positive change.