The city of Umatilla has announced the soft opening of the new pedestrian bridge spanning the Umatilla River, connecting the South Hill region to downtown.
The bridge opened on Dec. 23 for foot traffic, providing pedestrians with a safe and scenic connection. Flooding in April 2019 caused a partial collapse of the bridge.
This new infrastructure project is designed to enhance connectivity, promote outdoor recreation, and improve safety for residents, community members, and visitors across the river. The pedestrian bridge features ADA accessibility, lighting, and scenic overlooks.
“We are thrilled to soft-open this new pedestrian bridge to foot traffic, providing a safe and convenient way for people to travel while enjoying the beauty of our community,” said City Manager David Stockdale. “This project reflects our dedication to improving quality of life and promoting sustainable urban design.”
Final improvements, including approachment paving, bollards, and handrail installation, will occur in spring 2025. The pedestrian bridge completes the Trail 2 Project, part of the Master Trail Plan and a key component of Umatilla County’s River Trail project. Residents and visitors are encouraged to celebrate the bridge’s soft opening by exploring the new pathway and enjoying its features.
“The soft opening of this pedestrian bridge is an exciting milestone for our community,” said Public Works Director Scott Coleman. “While there are still final touches to be completed, this bridge represents a safe and accessible connection for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing mobility and fostering community. We’re thrilled to invite residents to enjoy this new amenity as we prepare for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in the coming months.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled to occur in the spring of 2025. For more information about the Umatilla Pedestrian Bridge Project, the Trail 2 Project, and other city projects, we encourage you to visit the city’s website.
