At approximately this time each year we again appreciate just how valuable a resource the Old U.S. Highway 80 bridge continues to be.

With the recent Bricks and Spokes bike ride and the Over the River Run, both of which are October mainstays in Vicksburg, we again see just what the bridge can mean to the quality of life for our residents and the overall appeal of Vicksburg’s waterfront.

For years, the idea of converting the bridge — closed to automobile traffic and used primarily as a railroad bridge — to a pedestrian bridge, while at the same time continuing the rail traffic, has been discussed and debated.

On one side, you have the Kansas City Southern Railroad, the railroad that pays for use of the bridge. The railroad’s leadership strongly opposes the idea. On the other, you have local residents, groups, who are in favor of the idea, and county leadership who are lukewarm toward it.

Keep in mind, the bridge is owned by Warren County and the railroad is a paying customer for the bridge. But yet, the railroad’s voice has long been enough to drown out those in Vicksburg who want the resource of a pedestrian bridge developed.

Many discussions have led some to believe such an idea would one day become a reality, but the discussion quickly dies out and the idea again falls lower on the county’s agenda and eventually off the board all together.

We know such a partnership — a pedestrian bridge and rail traffic — can work. Examples exist for Vicksburg to emulate in developing such a plan and using it to show railroad officials how pedestrian use could work in harmony with the railroad use.

The bridge is architecturally beautiful and of historic significance. And, the revenue generated from the railroad use is well used and appreciated.

But, the bridge could be far more to Vicksburg and Warren County with the addition of a pedestrian bridge. Not only would it serve the residents of Warren County looking for a nice stroll across the Mississippi River but to the tourists looking for a truly unique Vicksburg and Mississippi experience.

Discussions on how to turn the possibility into a reality need to be restarted. Everyone needs to get on board with the positive project for our community.