Construction is bringing new life for the Old River Bridge

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – After a couple of years of litigation, the city of Columbus received a $4 million settlement to repair damage to the Riverwalk Bridge, also known as the Old River Bridge.

Now, the equipment to make the repairs is moving into place and work can begin.

Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin posted a picture of this crane on social media. He said within minutes he received tons of questions. So, we sat and spoke with him about the past, present, and future of the Old River Bridge.

“People were enjoying using it for destinations for parties and stuff. Birthday parties were being held. It was just a beautiful place for people to go out and hang out there and view the river,” Mayor Keith Gaskin said.

What was considered the front door of Columbus was completely shut down due to damage caused by a runaway barge.

“So, we got a settlement in January last year of over $4 million. Our goal was to make sure it was no cost to the citizens to repair this bridge,” Gaskin said.

Now, the city is preparing for six months of repairs and other changes to follow.

“We are showing it to some potential investors and talking about long-term some of the good things that can happen on the bridge. The work on the bridge is kind of new beginning on what can potentially grow in that area,” Gaskin said.

And as for the future, the mayor said that this river city will see much more to come.

“That area will be cleared out and where people can actually pull up on their boats and if there is a concert going on or activities there, they can see it from the water. I believe it is going to increase tourism for this city which is an economic boom,” Gaskin said.

As construction is underway on the old river bridge in Columbus, the city’s engineer, Kevin Stafford, is issuing a notice to curious citizens.

“Just stay away you can go look at a distance but just away altogether,” Stafford said.

Gaskin said pedestrians should avoid this area at all costs during the repairs, and there will be signs around the area to remind you to stay clear.

The mayor projects that construction should be complete by early summer.

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