Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge Over Savannah River in Running for National Award

The newly constructed 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge over the Savannah River in Augusta is in the running for a national People's Choice Award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation.

The $11 million bridge connecting Augusta and North Augusta is now known as Freedom Bridge. It has plenty of benches throughout the structure, water fountains for humans and pets,  and playground activities for children.  It's one of 12 projects from the across the country selected in regional competitions for its economic and quality of life benefits.

The 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge project is competing to be named by the public in online voting as the People's Choice for the Nation's Best Transportation Project.  Online voting is underway and will continue through November 14.  Cast your vote for the 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge HERE.  You can vote once every 24 hours per IP address.  The winner will be announced at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual meeting in Indianapolis in November.

The 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge project revitalized the previously outdated and structurally-deficient 5th Street Bridge over the Savannah River in Augusta. And the project transformed it into an active transportation and pedestrian crossing.   The new bridge deck was painted to include important dates in the bridge's history.

"The historic 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge demonstrates the value of the Transportation Investment Act program in that its funding makes many regional projects, like this one, a reality," said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E.

If the 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge wins the People's Choice Award, the Georgia Department of Transportation will receive a $10,000 cash prize that will be donated.

Did you know that May is National Walking Month? This was introduced to raise awareness of the importance of walking and how it is essential to a healthy lifestyle. According to the Better Health Channel, walking for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can improve or maintain your overall health. For those that already walk daily or those that have been wanting to get started, we've found some walking trails in Augusta and surrounding areas for you to enjoy.

Here are some general walking tips:

This trail is nearly 8 miles long located in the heart of Augusta, running along the canal. For more on this trail, click here.

This 1.9 mile loop trail is located at Phinzy Swamp Park. It takes about 32 minutes to complete. To find out more about this trail, check it out here.

The good ole' Riverwalk. This 3.4 mile loop trail runs right along the Savanah River. To learn more about the Riverwalk, click here.

This trail is only a mile loop taking an average of 23 minutes to complete. To learn more about the trail, click here.

This trial is about 7 miles long with several sections. For example, there is a two mile section, and there is a 5 mile section. To learn more about this trail, click here.

This is a paved 2-mile route along the Savannah River. For more about this trail, click here.

The greenway is a 7+ mile paved recreational trail located in South Carolina. For more information, click here.