The Big River Crossing is complete

Saturday October 22, 2016 was a big day for Memphis and West Memphis. The Big River Crossing opened officially with pomp and circumstance. The Harahan Railroad Bridge at one time had car lanes attached to it. It was plank covered and allowed cars to travel across the Mississippi River from Arkansas to Tennessee and vice versa. Early in 2013 construction began making the north side of the bridge a pedestrian bike trail. It is the longest pedestrian bike bridge across the Mississippi. It is a excellent structure on a beautiful and stately old bridge. Most importantly it links Memphis TN with West Memphis AR, allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the river. From this beginning a new network of trails will be added.

This sign is on the Arkansas side and announces the attraction to passing motorists on I55.

This shows the bridge when it was under construction. The walkway is on the side of the bridge facing the camera, the river tug, and Martyrs Park.

The trail from the river to the visitors entrance in Arkansas is covered with openings on the north side viewing the I40 bridge and the river.

Over the river it is not covered and open to the sky and bridge above. To the right of the people and the high fence is the railroad tracks. Trains use the bridge all the time.

It offers great views of the river and the Memphis skyline.

This is a view just on the bridge from the Memphis side and offers a unique view of the skyline that was impossible to get before the Big River Crossing unless one would illegally sneak onto the railroad bridge which was dangerous as well as against the law.

The bridge is an amazing sight when lit up in the evening.

Here is a couple out walking their dog at night on the bridge. It is open from sunrise to 10PM every day and is lit up with various colors.

It is an amazing structure when lit up.

It offers a variety of views for the photographer and those just enjoying the Memphis skyline.

Here is a map of some of the trails that are planned to be developed.

I encourage you to get out and enjoy it for yourself.