Eau Claire, Wis. – The Phoenix Park Footbridge in Downtown Eau Claire is scheduled to be closed on a regular basis throughout the summer. The closure is to accommodate installation of lights as part of the Light It Up campaign.

Beginning Tuesday, June 20^th the footbridge is scheduled to be closed to pedestrian traffic from 6:00 am until 4:30 pm on Monday through Thursday. The bridge is scheduled to remain open all day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This schedule is expected to last throughout the summer until installation is complete. Phoenix Park and Riverfront Terrace will not be affected by the bridge closure.

Pedestrian traffic will be rerouted to the Grand Avenue Footbridge during the times when the bridge is closed.

The bridge lighting project, known as “The River Lights at Phoenix Park”, will include the installation of hundreds of lights on the 526 foot long bridge spanning the Chippewa River. Once completed, the bridge will be bathed in ambient colors that can change for seasons and events, and will highlight the unique and historic architectural structure of the bridge. The result will be a world-class attraction that can be enjoyed by the public year-round.

The project is made possible thanks to the joint efforts of Rotary International, Downtown Eau Claire, Inc., and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, as well as hundreds of sponsors and donors. Over $200,000 has been raised so far and project partners are asking for the support of the community to make the bridge lighting a reality. To learn more and donate, visit www.lightitupec.com.

Contact:

Leah Ness

Transportation Engineer, City of Eau Claire

715-839-4934

leah.ness@eauclairewi.gov

Mike Schatz

Executive Director, Downtown Eau Claire, Inc.

715-839-4914

mike.schatz@eauclairewi.gov