Change is challenging for most of us. We notice even minor changes in our environment and react to them.
The proposed new pedestrian bridge at 32nd Street is likely to result in that normal response. The new structure will require adjustment, but there are many good reasons to build this bridge.
Public safety is paramount. I personally experienced the hazard of the 32nd Street and East Third Avenue intersection when a young neighbor girl was run over by a speeding motorist. I stood by and observed the broken and unconscious little girl being loaded into an ambulance. That left an indelible impression.
The completion of a contiguous pedestrian path along the Animas River corridor, separated from traffic, has long been a priority for our community. This structure will accomplish that end and complete a Durango gem: the Animas River Trail.
Funding for this project has been approved, is within the city budget and includes significant supporting funds from outside sources that reduce the cost.
Much discussion, planning and community input has already gone into this, years and years.
The artist rendition recently published in The Herald is only that, a rendition, not necessarily the final design.
Any new structure will be a change that will require adjustment. However, I do believe the view from the new bridge will make that adjustment easy.
I encourage the completion of the Animas River Trail.
Please move forward with the bridge!
Mike FreeburnDurango
