Marshall Way Bridge open to trolleys

After nearly a yearlong delay, the Marshall Way Bridge is now a stop on the Downtown Trolley route in Scottsdale.

The $1.8 million bridge, which links the Waterfront area and Scottsdale Fashion Square north of the Arizona Canal to the SouthBridge area and other downtown shops on the south side, opened to pedestrians last summer.

Technical problems associated with the installation of sensors on the trolleys forced the delay, said Robin Meinhart, Scottsdale's downtown liaison. The sensors are designed to remotely control the metal traffic barriers on the bridge, which is off-limits to cars.

The bridge's designer, John Douglas, of Scottsdale-based Douglas Architecture and Planning, said the bridge was always meant to service trolleys. The design, which includes a plaza over the water, "has become a real generator of public access," he said.

Since its debut, the Marshall Way Bridge site has hosted a number of high-profile events, including the installation of the Hashknife Pony Express monument and Mayor Mary Manross' State of the City address. The bridge was also the place where crowds of Super Bowl XLII fans gathered earlier this year to watch ESPN's live broadcasts.

The expanded trolley route was launched last month.

The free Downtown Trolley runs daily every 10 minutes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., excluding some major holidays.

For information, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley/downtown.asp or call (480) 421-1004.

Meanwhile, a groundbreaking for the nearby Paolo Soleri pedestrian bridge and plaza could occur as early as fall. Scottsdale approved $1.7 million this week in needed funding for the planned bridge, which will feature steel-clad pylons that will generate a light beam on the surface of the bridge and a large bell assemblage.