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It's been a landmark for more than a century, now the much anticipated, redeveloped Junction Bridge is open, and ready for pedestrian traffic.
For about a year now, crews have worked to convert the old railroad structure into a people-friendly bridge and transformation became official at a ceremony Saturday morning.
With the symbolic tying of the ribbon, linking the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, city, county and state officials declare the junction bridge open to the public.
(Buddy villines, Pulaski County Judge) "I want to make sure you feel welcome. It's your bridge. It doesn't belong to anyone but you, and I hope you enjoy it for the100 years."
For most of the last 100 years, the 1,800 foot long structure was a railroad bridge. Ben Woods remembers using it in the 30s.
(Ben Woods, North Little Rock) "I used to hop freight trains here and go home over in North Little Rock from my paper route here in Little Rock. I'm glad to see it where it can be used again."
He's not the only one, pedestrians of all ages, and even a few of the four-legged variety make their way across the bridge Saturday egar to check out the view, and ride the elevator. Junction is the only walking bridge in the country with a lift span. So far, reaction to the newest way to cross the Arkansas river seems unanimous.
(Kids Shouting) "We love the junction bridge."
(Sabryna Washington, Little Rock) "This is going to be a lot of fun for the summer and stuff like that. You can look out over the water...over the bridge."
(Karen Call, Little Rock) "We're so excited that there's a bridge to connect the trail, to connect Little Rock and North Little Rock. It's just amazing."
(Michelle Ray, Little Rock) "You know, it's great. The view, the weather. It's a great sunny day with the breeze. It's not too hot, and looking at all the people, it's fabulous."
The bridge will be closed again Saturday night, but will re-open for good on Friday, just in time for Riverfest.
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