GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — – The pedestrian bridge that connects the east side to the west side over the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids has most commonly been known as the “Blue Bridge” for decades.
However, the proper name for the structure is the “Indiana Railroad Bridge.”
Kris Larson, the executive director for the Downtown Development Authority, said the blue is actually just a primer color. With Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus at the west end of the bridge, he said that the school lobbied for it to remain blue, which is similar to the school’s colors.
The bridge has faded, paint is chipping, and the concrete is now cracking.
Next spring, it will undergo a $1.3 million dollar overhaul, which could include a change in color.
“Blue is great with me; it looks good with the water you know I think it reflects Grand Valley’s colors,” Kevin McCuren with Grand Valley State University said.
The DDA is now looking for public input on what color the bridge should be.
People are encouraged to go to the DDA’s Facebook page or even use Twitter using #indianabridge.
“Yellow or grey, it would be more shiny during the summer time instead of that blue,” Sacree Kandi said.
The DDA is working with GVSU to make sure that the renovations take place when students are less likely to be using the bridge the most. The goal is to have it completely finished by ArtPrize 2013.
There are also two public meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. for input. It will be held on the third floor of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
