New pedestrian bridge on Beverly Lane

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The City of Hattiesburg fixed up a local bridge and held a ribbon cutting Tuesday morning to help celebrate the grand opening.

Mayor of Hattiesburg, Johnny DuPree said, "This is a wonderful replacement of what was there before, a wooden bridge that had deteriorated. It was not safe for the people who are crossing. A lot of people cross over using bicycles and walking. It's a great improvement to the community."

One local eagle scout helped landscape the area around the bridge.

Evan Preusch said, "I've kind of helped just a little bit to make the community better and kind of brighten everyone's day up."

The project costs a little over $70,000.

But, the city was able to save taxpayers nearly $50,000 from Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments building the bridge.

Public Works Director, Larry Barnes said, "There's a number of residents that live in this area that goes to work at USM. A lot of them ride their bikes that are professors here and I think they will be happy to know that we've done something that can help them be more bikable and walkable friendly."

Mayor DuPree said the project took about six months to complete.