Pedestrian Bridge Aims for Iconic Status in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids took a crucial step forward on plans to build the Smokestock Bridge—a pedestrian bridge across the Cedar River.

1 minute read

September 27, 2019, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cedar River

A rendering of the Smokestack Bridge / ConnectCR

"[The Cedar Rapids City Council] agreed Tuesday to the acquisition of what is left of the old Rock Island Railroad bridge over the Cedar River, a key milestone in plans for an iconic new pedestrian span called the Smokestack Bridge," reports Brian Morelli.

"City Council approved a resolution authorizing a $1 real estate purchase for the bridge, of which only piers and part of the deck remain, and property at the southern foot of the bridge from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Co., or CRANDIC," explains Morelli.

As for the Smokestack Bridge, the city has been planning the project since 2015, intending for the bridge to become an icon in the Iowa trail system and the American Discovery Trail system.

"The bridge would pay homage to the smokestack demolished after the 2008 flood and fires at the old Sinclair meatpacking plant, which no longer exists. Preliminary designs call for a cable-stayed, twin deck suspension bridge that would tie into the Cedar River Trail and downtown trail system. At the center would be a 192-foot-tall replica of the smokestack."

Thursday, September 26, 2019 in The Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of smartphone with USDOT website pulled up and screen with USDOT logo in background.

DOT Memo Directs Transportation Funding to Communities With Higher Marriage and Birth Rates, Compliance with Immigration Officials and No Mask Mandates

The memo ties immigration enforcement to federal funding and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.

February 5, 2025 - Huffpost

ELderly woman wearing black helmet and blue puffy vest stands next to e-bike with white and brown dog in rear basket.

Washington State E-Bike Rebate Set to Launch in April

The state program will offer up to $1,200 to fund the purchase of electric bikes.

February 4, 2025 - The Bellingham Herald

Native American ruins at Chaco Culture National Historical Park in winter with snow.

BLM Approves Controversial Oil and Gas Leases on Navajo Land

The parcels are located near a sensitive archaeological site, but some Indigenous leaders approve of the move, which will bring in millions in revenue.

6 hours ago - High Country News

Cars and pedestrians on Hong Kong street at night.

Hong Kong Cab Hailing App Folds — and Uber Takes Over

HKTaxi launched a year before Uber came to town. Now, it’s shutting down. Lawmakers worry a monopoly looms.

7 hours ago - South China Morning Post

Small encampment with tents and mattress along heating pipe in green forest.

Rural Homelessness Could Be Vastly Underestimated, Study Finds

The annual ‘point in time’ count fails to capture the diverse types of situations experienced by unhoused people in rural communities.

February 13 - The Daily Yonder