After being halted for a number of months due to last April’s tornado, the city of Ringgold is looking forward to finally breaking ground on its pedestrian bridge project this spring in order to create a scenic passageway across Ga. 41 to the historic Ringgold Depot.

During the city’s most recent work session and city council meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, architect Ross Andrews presented the council with plans and alterations to the project.

“It’s coming along nicely,” Andrews said. “We’ve encountered a slight issue with a gas valve, but have made ad-justments so that we don’t block that ground valve.”

Andrews explained that a portion of the bridge’s walkway would have to be removable so that the gas company can access the valve.

As has been the case since the inception of the project, safety dominated the conversation among the council.

“We need to get this bridge finished as soon as possible,” said mayor Joe Barger. “We need that passageway right there in the middle of downtown so that folks have a safe way to cross Highway 41. One person getting hurt down there crossing the street will be one too many.”

The projects is expected to be presented to the Georgia Department of Transportation soon, which could lead to construction of the bridge shortly there after.

“It’s going to be a gorgeous sight for the city,” Andrews said. “It’ll be strong, it’ll be a viewing platform, and it will create a safe passage from the parking lot to the Depot for special events.”

Before addressing the meeting’s agenda, the council and mayor Joe Barger presented the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) with a proclamation of “Girl Scout Day” from the city.

The following items on the agenda were approved unanimously:

· Diana W. Bonifacious’ variance request to allow for a beauty shop on the property located at Tax Map R5, Par-cel 68.

· A motion to begin accepting proposal and quotes from various engineers regarding their services on the Shady Place storm water issue.

· The acceptance of a “Spirit of Business” award from the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce.

· The Ringgold Police Department’s request for gas guns, gas munitions, and gas masks.

· Ringgold Telephone Company’s request for use of the Ringgold Depot on June 4, 2012.

· The purchase of five new historical markers for the city.

· The proposal of a Farmer’s Market to be held on the south ends of Jail and Maple Streets near the Catoosa County Courthouse on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from May through October.

The next regularly scheduled Ringgold City Council meeting will be held at Ringgold City Hall at 7 p.m. on Mon-day, March 12, with a work session to be held beforehand at 6 p.m.