× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

In 1910, the cities of Bristol and the Bristol Gas & Electric Co. embarked on a project that would immediately become iconic: the Bristol sign. We believe it’s time for a new downtown project, one that will also embody Bristol’s past while preparing for future prosperity.

The owners of Tenneva, LLC, broke ground on a massive Holiday Inn on June 7. Once completed in the fall of 2020, the seven-story hotel will feature 141 rooms, extra parking, a bar and restaurant, and a lounge overlooking downtown Bristol.

The structure will spur further growth and business in the downtown area. It will change the face of the city. And it will introduce even greater crowds at an already busy intersection.

The solution to this increased traffic because of the ever-expanding entertainment and dining venues downtown is simple. We suggest that the two cities, the Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol and affiliated partners consider a pedestrian bridge over Volunteer Parkway at its intersection with State Street.

Bristol is clearly booming. The ongoing influx of hotels — The Bristol, Holiday Inn and Sessions Hotel — and businesses, the recent doubling of home sales and the sustained growth of new jobs in the cities all point to a growing economic community.