The City of Parkersburg had plans to expand its multi-use trail network along the Ohio River to improve pedestrian and cyclist access, promote outdoor recreation and enhance connectivity between downtown and northern neighborhoods. The project also supported the city’s goal to reclaim underutilized riverfront space between the floodwall and the Ohio River, creating a safe, scenic corridor for residents and visitors.
Burgess & Niple (B&N) provided planning, environmental coordination, design and permitting services for the trail. The project team developed a 1.89-mile asphalt shared-use trail and designed a new pedestrian bridge to safely cross Pond Run, a waterway that flows through a floodwall structure, while maintaining the integrity of the existing flood control infrastructure. The proposed trail alignment followed a narrow corridor between the Ohio River and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) floodwall system, an area with limited space, sensitive soils and strict federal oversight. A key challenge was how to extend the trail across Pond Run, which flows through the floodwall via an existing USACE outfall structure, without compromising the flood protection system or significantly increasing project costs.
Rather than constructing new bridge foundations, B&N proposed an innovative approach—repurposing the existing USACE outfall structure as the bridge’s substructure. This solution preserved the floodwall’s integrity, minimized construction costs and reduced environmental impacts. The design received USACE approval following detailed structural analysis and coordination that demonstrated the solution’s safety and efficiency.
To support stakeholder communication, B&N used Civil 3D to produce realistic visual renderings of the trail and bridge. These visuals helped city officials and residents better understand the project’s scope and benefits, fostering early support and project momentum.
The completed Parkersburg Ohio River Trail and Bridge provides a safe, accessible and attractive space for pedestrians and cyclists while reconnecting the community to its riverfront. The trail enhances mobility between neighborhoods, supports local events and businesses, and promotes active, healthy lifestyles.
By repurposing existing infrastructure, the project reduced costs, avoided unnecessary environmental disturbance and demonstrated how creative engineering can deliver long-term community value. The new trail and bridge have transformed an underused stretch of the riverfront into a vibrant public amenity that strengthens Parkersburg’s identity as a connected, walkable city.
Honors & Awards
- 2025 ACEC West Virginia Engineering Excellence Award – Small Projects Category, American Council of Engineering Companies of West Virginia