CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
The condemned pedestrian bridge that crosses the stream near Violet Street in Kalihi might be considered for repair.
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City talks new talk, may give bridge a new walk
A community outcry to salvage a dilapidated footbridge in Kalihi Valley has led the city to consider repairing it.
A final verdict awaits further assessment, said Laverne Higa, director of the Department of Facility Maintenance.
Officials from the Departments of Facility Maintenance and Design and Construction recently conducted another inspection of the 40-foot bridge over Kamanaiki Stream between Violet Street and Kamanaiki Street. Higa said more fieldwork needs to be done.
One concern is that the bridge's I-beams are severely corroded.
Area residents raised safety concerns about the bridge in June. The city conducted an initial inspection and had proposed to board members to condemn the bridge, citing safety and liability concerns. Wood rot, insect damage and rust were observed during the inspection.
Still, the community wanted the footbridge to remain. For many it serves as a shortcut to a bus stop and to the other side of the valley. Members of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board had said there was unanimous support from the community to repair the bridge and continued to ask the city what can be done.
William Woods-Bateman, chairman of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board, is pleased with the city's new plan.
"I think it's wonderful," Woods-Bateman said. "It's really going to help the neighborhood."
The bridge, believed to be at least 65 years old, is owned by the city. Both ends remains blocked off to prevent access. Repairs are expected to be done by city workers.