Recent Updates
August 12, 2025:
We are excited to share that two newly constructed pedestrian bridges are now officially open, restoring safe, sustainable access to more than 200 acres of previously detoured trails.
This $1.77 million project replaces two aging structures: the former Steele Street road bridge, which collapsed in January 2024, and the swinging bridge near the prairie, a beloved but increasingly compromised crossing that had reached the end of its useful life.
The new steel-truss pedestrian bridges are designed for longevity, elevated above the 100-year floodplain to reduce environmental impact and withstand changing weather patterns. With these crossings in place, popular trail systems near the Adventure Road and Blue Star entrances are once again fully connected for hikers, bikers and equestrians.
As we transition to the new trail system and update our maps, temporary signage is in place. Use caution in these areas and follow posted directions.
For Cyclists:Â The temporary reroute around Steele Creek is no longer in effect. Please return to using the designated bike trails in the area.
As part of this project, we also decommissioned the iconic swinging bridge near the prairie at the Adventure Road Entrance. Originally built nearly 40 years ago by Comporium, the bridge served the Greenway community well and became a nostalgic landmark for many. We’re grateful to Comporium for their help in both constructing and maintaining the bridge over the years.
However, growing erosion, frequent flash flooding and changes to cabling technology had made the structure increasingly unstable. With large equipment already on site, we removed the bridge in a way that minimized cost and environmental risk—preventing the possibility of collapse and protecting the Steele Creek watershed.
While we understand the nostalgia, rebuilding the same bridge in the same spot would not have been a viable, long-term solution from a conservation perspective. Instead, the new, elevated steel-truss crossing nearby ensures safe and responsible access to this beautiful area for generations to come.
Construction Timeline
February 2024
Steele Street road bridge along Springfield Parkway collapses following significant rainfall.Â
July 2024
Surveying and technical reports completed.
Locations established for two new bridges across Steele Creek.
November 2024
Contracts signed for $1.77 million project, funded through through a combination of Greenway endowment support and community contributions.Â
ASCG launches end-of-year giving campaign, supported by a $25,000 matching gift generously donated by Dave Davenport.
December 2024
ASCG raises over $53,000 in end-of-year giving campaign.
February-March 2025
Site preparation, including brush/tree removal, begins at both sites. Anticipate trail reroutes or closures.Â
Spring 2025
Land clearing and foundation building (support piles, foundation cap, trail work) at each site.
Bridges under construction off-site.Â
Summer 2025Â
Bridges placed, additional concrete work, trail work.
August 2025Â
Bridges open to the public.
Thank You
This project was made possible by support from our endowment, corporate sponsors and individual donors who believe in our mission to connect people to nature through sustainable access and land stewardship.
We hope you’ll come out soon to enjoy these improvements and explore the newly reopened trails! Please continue to check updates to the trail status at ascgreenway.org.