In response to the public’s request to open the Old Highway 80 Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, the Kansas City Southern Railroad (KCS) has once again objected, and the county supervisors have also once again speculated that the bridge might be for sale. 

Mr. Warren Erdman, Executive Vice President of Administration & Corporate Affairs, Kansas City Southern offered in the last meeting with KCS to enter into a “memorandum of understanding” with the County as the owner of the bridge to investigate and assess how to handle the risk to the railroad if recreational use was allowed for the bridge.

We are asking the Supervisors to pass the resolution presented by The Friends of the Vicksburg Bridge and take up the offer of Mr. Erdman to investigate the possibilities of opening the bridge.

Many railroads now want a community-friendly image and believe that permitting, and even encouraging, trails in proximity to their lines is a good policy for the railroad.   

There has been a tremendous change in the last 10 years on positions taken by railroads on trails alongside active railroad tracks. Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific operate similar paths next to active rail lines in other states. Two examples are Union Pacific Railroad where it is permitting pedestrian and bicycle use on bridges which they own in Memphis and Portland, Oregon.

A 2013 Rails with Trails report on trails adjacent to active rail lines identified 161 such trails in 41 states. 

We are hoping there is a good chance that the supervisors would change their mind about selling the bridge and support passing the resolution that was presented by The Friends of the Vicksburg Bridge at the supervisor’s April 23rd meeting. 

The bridge is a unique community asset that the county should be proud to own and make available to residents and visitors. The bridge would be one of the longest if not the longest pedestrian bridge in the country. It would have a significant impact on the overall health and economy of our city and state. 

The roadway on this bridge is vastly underutilized. It is a unique asset, offering spectacular views that can serve as a magnet to attract residents and visitors to Vicksburg. 

Sincerely,

Annette Kirklin

Friends of the Vicksburg Bridge