Purchasing a home in West Salem has always been frought with concerns over the bridge. There is only one bridge connecting the two parts of Salem and when there is a traffic accident or a jumper, the bridge can be closed for hours, reeking havoc on the city.

As a real estate agent, I have always talked with clients who choose to live West, about preparing for this contingency.

Back in 1999, the City of Salem purchased the Union Street railroad bridge for $1. Yep…$1.

The railroad bridge is centrally located in the city and connects Wallace Marine and Riverfront Parks. A couple of weeks ago contractors began work on the bridge to convert it into a pedestrian and bike path across the river. For communters wanting to be carbonless as possible this now offers the opportunity to bike across the river without having to go on the Marion Street bridge.

This is a very exciting project for the city and I for one and excited for homeowners who live across the river. This opens up many possibilities for West Salemites who need to cross the river.

So if you are looking to move out West, you can now consider that by the end of the year, the brigde shoulde be open to pedestrians and cyclists. You may want to consider that in a move to that area.

(c) Copyright, 2008. Melina Tomson, All Rights Reserved. DO NOT COPY this without express written permission from the author.

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