Renovated Don Kardong Pedestrian Bridge Reopens

Friday, December 16, 2022

The Don Kardong pedestrian bridge, connecting the University District and the surrounding area with downtown, will reopen on Friday, December 16 after undergoing an extensive renovation. The project finishes ahead of schedule and within budget.

Bridge work began in May with Garco Construction. The project included replacing wood bridge decking with concrete; replacing bridge overlooks with ADA-accessible platforms; minor concrete pier repairs; steel repair and painting; new guardrails; installation of a new lighting system; and new bollards. The City also repaired several damaged portions of trail near the bridge during this project.

The restoration extends the life of the bridge for an estimated fifty years, while adding maintenance efficiencies and increasing accessibility and safety. 

Additional elements, including informational signage and architectural embellishments, will be added in 2023. Parks & Recreation plans to hold a more formal reopening celebration in the spring.

“This project is about partners and funders coming together to identify a need and working to address it,” said Garrett Jones, City of Spokane Parks & Recreation director. “We are so thankful for the generosity of these partners in extending the longevity of this important District One pedestrian connector for many decades to come.”

The total construction cost for the bridge was $3.36 million, within contingency budget. Funding comes from a mix of donor, public and private grants, and American Rescue Plan funds.

Funding Partners

  • American Rescue Plan funds, allocated by the City Council
  • City of Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board
  • Friends of the Centennial Trail
  • Gonzaga University
  • Lilac Bloomsday Association
  • State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
  • University District Public Development Authority