Using a large crane, workers lift a section of a pedestrian bridge Tuesday that will link the Volkswagen manufacturing facility with the nearby training center at the Enterprise South industrial park. Staff photo by John RawlstonVolkswagen’s big, signature pedestrian bridge that will link the plant’s training center with the main production site is a key symbol for the automaker’s Chattanooga work force, an official says.
“The door opens and you start a new life when you cross that bridge,” said Steve Leach, the city’s public works administrator.
On Tuesday, big pieces of structural steel were set into place for the bridge and guardhouse which will span 850 feet — or a quarter the length of the Walnut Street Bridge, according to the city’s Industrial Development Board.
The bridge, which will be the main plant entrance, is paid for from city, Hamilton County and state funds and part of the incentive package approved for the VW project.
Costing $7.25 million, the steel and glass structure will cross over a stream and one of VW’s vehicle test tracks, and it will negotiate a steep change in elevation at the site.