Pedestrian bridge may open early next week

GAINESVILLE - It appears the pedestrian bridge in downtown Gainesville is about ready for use.

City spokeswoman Catiel Felts said Monday "We are planning to open the bridge early next week. Then we are planning a grand opening about a month from now."

Construction on the span, which crosses Jesse Jewell Parkway and will connect downtown to the midtown area and a planned high-rise hotel/office complex, began about two years ago.

The bridge was originally sheduled to open about a year ago. However, several factors hampered construction over the months, leading to delays in its opening.