New bridge to Utah Lake is launched

PROVO — A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday officially marked the opening of a $650,000 bridge linking Provo to Utah Lake State Park.

To represent the groups who have used the 96,600-acre freshwater lake over the years, groups of American Indians, mountain men, pioneers and current residents marched to a drumbeat across the new Center Street bridge.

"We have a community here today that illustrates the true meaning of the park," said Provo Mayor Lewis Billings. "It's a very important park to the community."

Corrosion damage to steel supports from flooding in 1983-84 is the main reason the bridge, which was built in 1956, needed to be replaced. The new bridge is wider and includes a 10-foot pathway for pedestrians and equestrians.

There are two lanes for vehicle traffic in the center of the bridge and two bike lanes and a 4-foot sidewalk on the north side of the bridge.

Funds from a federal program to replace deteriorating bridges paid 80 percent of the cost. The city picked up the remaining 20 percent, said Nick Jones, Provo city engineer.

Jones said took about a decade to secure federal funds, deal with environmental concerns, design the new bridge and construct it. Construction started last year and was completed a few months ago.

While the bridge closed for construction, all traffic to the park and harbor was routed down 620 North, the only other east-west road that can connect traffic to the state park.

"I think (the bridge) significantly improves access to the lake and park, which is both a community and state park," said Mary Tullius, director of Utah's state parks.

Fishermen and boating enthusiasts are among the main visitors to the park, which has four boat-launching ramps, a sheltered marina, seasonal boat slips, campsites with restrooms and showers and fish-cleaning stations.

Winston Mason was one of the American Indians participating in the ceremony. He's lived in the area for 25 years and frequents the lake. And he was happy to see the completion of the new bridge, as well as the American Indian involvement in the ceremony.

"It's gives us a sense of pride, the fact that Native Americans (were involved in this dedication)," he said. "We were the first ones here for thousands of years. We lived and fished here and came and spent winters in the valley. It was an important trade route."

Provo City Council member Barbara Sandstrom said her grandparents settled in the Provo area, and she's always had tender feelings about Utah Lake.

"I grew up here in the Provo area," she said. "Anytime we can have any improvements, it's a gift to the city."

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