Grand Canyon’s Silver Bridge reopens after structural concerns addressed
Sep 11, 2020, 10:30 AM | Updated: 11:02 am
(Twitter Photo/ @GrandCanyonNPS)
(Twitter Photo/ @GrandCanyonNPS)
PHOENIX – A bridge hikers use to cross the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon reopened Friday after closing earlier in the week due to structural concerns, authorities said.
The Silver Bridge along the Bright Angel trail had been closed to all foot traffic since Sunday.
During the closure, National Park Service crews performed stabilization work. Federal Highway Administration engineers deemed the bridge safe for pedestrian use after the work was completed.
During the closure, hikers had cross the Colorado River at the Black Bridge.
Hikers on the Angel Trail were redirected to the River Trail to take that bridge, adding approximately 1.5 miles to their route.
The Silver Bridge is a suspension bridge was built in the late 1960s to connect the Bright Angel trail from the South Rim to Phantom Ranch and the North Rim.
The Bright Angel campground and trail, the South Kaibab Trail and the Phantom Ranch on the North Kaibab Trail remained open and accessible during the closure.
Park officials encouraged visitors to check the website for updates.
