The Circle

Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Features

Media Credit: Kristina Cioni The view from the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge.

Just outside your window is a structure 212 feet above the Hudson River that offers some of the best views of the Mid-Hudson Valley. This spot, spanning over a half mile across the river, can be found on the historic Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge.

To most students, this bridge is just an obsolete object in our scenic background. It has not been open to the public, however, some have actually had the opportunity to walk across the bridge and see what it has to offer. I luckily was one of them. Once I got over the creaking wooden planks I was stepping on, and the river rushing 200 feet beneath me - and maybe the screeching from the woman suffering from vertigo five feet in front of me - I was able to take in the most awe inspiring views on the Hudson Valley.

The group that made this possible is the non-profit organization, Walkway Over the Hudson. Walkway is based in Poughkeepsie, New York. Its mission is to convert the relic of the railroad age into a linear park for walkers, hikers, joggers, bicyclists and people with disabilities. The walkway will be an added attraction to the Poughkeepsie waterfront.

Upon completion, the park and walkway will not only connect Poughkeepsie to Highland, the entire rail trail will start in Hopewell Junction, go through Vassar College, connect Marist College on its way to the Poughkeepsie shores of the river. Over the bridge to Highland, the rail trail will end in New Paltz, connecting a total of four towns and four colleges. This will be done with the help of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association, a non-profit organization charged with developing and maintaining the trail in Dutchess County.

It may not seem as if any progress has been made, but in the past few years Walkway Over the Hudson has surpassed numerous goals, every year getting closer and closer to its final vision. Last month, divers were sent into the river to inspect the piers holding the bridge up. The reports coming back have been positive, giving Walkway the green light for trekking on. In addition, Walkway has raised more than a million dollars from it growing membership and grants from government and private resources.

The group hopes that the bridge will be completed by 2009 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage and discovery of the River. In order to make this happen, Walkway Over the Hudson is turning to the community and asking people to join their efforts by becoming a member and volunteering. This does not necessarily involve money; volunteers can help the organization with community events or simply just spread the word about the organization to others. The more community support Walkway Over the Hudson has, the easier it will be for this project to become a reality.

For more information visit www.walkway.org.

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