Community Corner

Hightstown Pedestrian Bridge One Step Closer to Reality

Two more fundraisers are planned in the upcoming months.

The Hightstown's much awaited pedestrian bridge at Peddie Lake may soon become a reality.

Two years after 9-year-old Taylor Bell suggested the bridge be rebuilt at a council meeting, and after many fundraising efforts, plans call for the bridge to be completed by the end of the summer, Darek Hahn, chairman of the Greenway Pedestrian Bridge Committee, told Patch.

To date, about $67,000 has been raised to fund the bridge out of the $95,000 budget, Hahn said. Although they have not gone out to bid yet for the bridge, the total cost is expected to fall between $75,000 and $95,000.

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“It’s a real community effort,” Hahn said, noting many people in the borough have donated funds. 

Local artist Rich Teller recently completed renderings for the project, and after meeting with engineers the bridge committee has decided on an 82 foot bridge with a sidewalk on each side, almost double the size of the originally planned 42 foot bridge, Hahn said.

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Some of the original designs have been changed to keep the cost the same as the original project called for, Hahn said.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, a resolution was unanimously passed awarding engineering services to Lippincott Jacobs Consulting Engineers, which will evaluate the proposed structure, determine the bridge footing placement and design the footing, Hahn said.

The Borough engineer will then need to create a site plan, Hahn said, noting after this is done they can go out to bid for the project.

The new walking bridge will make it safer for those crossing and going around the lake, and it is rebuilding a part of Hightstown’s history since it has been there for almost 100 years, Hahn said.

To continue the fundraising efforts, there will be two upcoming fundraisers to support the project, which is expected to bring the funds raised to around $75,000, which was the original fundraising goal.

A Wine and Cheesecake Tasting, featuring dessert beers for those ages 21+, will be held March 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Hightstown Diner. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

A Taste of Hightstown will be expanded this year and held on May 19 in Memorial Park. There will be about 20 to 25 restaurants, live music, alcohol and “bites” of food from the various restaurants. You will be able to vote on your favorite foods, and winners will be named for the best overall restaurant, as well as in different categories. The cost this year is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. The council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday to allow alcohol in the park for this event.


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