BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A proposal to connect Bethlehem’s north and south sides with a pedestrian bridge is close to the finish line.
Three concepts have been prepared by Philadelphia-based WRT Design, the group behind the design of the SteelStacks arts and cultural campus.
The three bridge options could cost the city up to $80 million.
Planners say the bridge wouldn’t just link the downtown areas, but could also be an economic boon for the city.
WRT Chief Principal Woo Kim is heading up the design plan. At the final public meeting for the project, which was held virtually on Zoom, Kim said the data his group compiled about the bridge showed that it could result in a boost to property values.
“There’s a potential for a $60 million increase in property values, both residential and commercial properties, within the impact area of this bridge, which is a really positive sign. This calculation was based on the fact that more walkable communities – there’s a premium to those properties,” said Kim.
Local businesses could benefit as well with more foot traffic and customers, Kim said, and it’s also likely new shops and eateries could pop up.
“Bike shops, runners clubs, cafes and juice bars could pop up that could really sort of promote and be synergistic with the healthy lifestyle that this bridge will advocate for,” said Kim.
The bridge could also be a new landmark and a “destination,” he said.
One concept even includes a bridge extension that could house a farmers market or Musikfest activities.
Bethlehem’s next step is to complete a feasibility study.
Visit BridgeBethlehem.com to review the full proposal.
