Troost BridgeWhen Marti Lee first started working at Southtown more than 26 years ago, eighteen-wheelers barreled up and down Troost Ave. (This was before the Bruce Watkins Roadway was constructed.) Then the time came when the Troost Bridge at Volker Blvd. was so deteriorated that it was no longer safe for the 18-wheelers to cross the bridge. Traffic was diverted elsewhere.
In 2001, city and neighborhood representatives began gathering to plan for the replacement of this crumbling 95-year-old bridge. After several years of focus groups, committee and task force meetings, the initial design plans were unveiled which included special walkways and suspensions. Unfortunately, the economy turned and the bids far exceeded the available funds. More time was allocated for redesigning the project. Just as we thought w were finished, along c ame the “stimulus” funds, which injected more requirements along with increased costs.
The Troost Bridge Project has finally become a reality even though it is different than the original design. Government stimulus money covered about 2/3 of the $13.5 million bridge project along with the Volker/49th/Troost intersection and public improvements north and south of the bridge. The area looks good and traffic is once again flowing on Troost Avenue.
The June Sparkle Award goes out to the many people and their investment of time, effort and sweat equity spent working on this project.