Tualatin River bike, pedestrian bridge opens

A grand opening ceremony for the bridge will be held in the spring

By Jennifer Clampet

The Times, Feb 1, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Jonathan House / The Times

OPEN FOR WALKING — Tualatin resident Lyle Cerny takes a walk across the newly constructed Tualatin River Bike and Pedestrian Bridge Wednesday morning. After two decades of discussions and planning, the bridge officially opened this week. The concrete bridge will connect park and trail systems in the three cities of Tualatin, Durham and Tigard.

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After 23 years of planning and discussions, the $2.9 million Tualatin River Bike and Pedestrian Bridge project is complete.

Connecting trail systems in Tualatin Community Park, Durham City Park and Tigard’s Cook Park, the new bridge essentially opens up 300 acres of natural area between the cities, said Tualatin Community Services Director Paul Hennon, who also served as administrative manager for the project.

“It has taken a long time, but it’s done,” said Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen. “It will be standing there for 100 years or more. It will be of increasing value to people in the future.”

Officials in all three cities have emphasized the effect the bridge will have opening up to residents the park facilities and trails in each of the cities.

“You’ll be able to park in Tualatin and walk over to Durham’s park or (Tigard’s) Cook Park,” said Tualatin Councilor Jay Harris, who is excited about the bridge as another way for residents to be able to cross the Tualatin River.

Discussions on a bridge spanning the Tualatin River dates back to the early ‘80s.

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