In 2004, the City of Salem purchased the Union Street Railroad Bridge and its associated timber trestle from Pacific Union Railroad for $1. In 2009, the city finished converting it into a multi-use pathway for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. The bridge, originally built in 1912-13, crosses a half-mile span of the Willamette River. The project improved bicycle and pedestrian safety and access, and provided a critical link in local, state, and regional trail networks.&lt;br /&gt;
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On April 18, 2009, hundreds of people joined local and state officials for the project's grand opening ceremony and an inaugural trip across the bridge. The project was awarded TE funds in 2003. Federal Award: $2,016,000; Local Match: $1,383,108; Total: $3,399,108&lt;br /&gt;
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To take a virtual walk across the bridge visit  &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQDrhOQfwJc&quot;&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQDrhOQfwJc&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Photo Credit: City of Salem