Huntsville’s new PARC project officially secures federal funding
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The City of Huntsville formally accepted a federal grant last week to move forward with its Pedestrian Access and Redevelopment Corridor (PARC) project.
The PARC project, which includes a pedestrian bridge often referred to as the “Skybridge,” now officially includes the $20 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant.
The PARC project is more than just the ‘Skybridge’
The PARC project aims to reduce flooding, improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, transportation safety, public park space and economic development within the core of the city.
Components of the PARC project include:
- 1.2 miles of linear park space
- 5,600 feet of Pinhook Creek channel excavation
- 3,200 feet of low-flow channel along Pinhook Creek
- 6,000 linear feet of greenway
- Three precast pedestrian bridges over Pinhook Creek
- One concrete railroad bridge replacing the wooden bridge adjacent to Heart of Huntsville Drive
- 1,400 feet of pedestrian cable suspension bridge (the “Skybridge”)
The PARC project creates a direct connection across two major U.S. highways for residents, workers and visitors to access vital job centers, community services and to safely travel without the need of a vehicle in addition to added benefits of flood mitigation and stream restoration measures. Since 1988, the project area has seen 46 pedestrian fatalities (37% of the City total).
The city won the competitive Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) construction grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2022.
Construction on the channel improvements are expected to begin in late 2025. The overall project has a target completion in late 2028.
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