The city of Franklin received $512,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program late last month to build a pedestrian walkway over the iconic trestle bridge to connect to Mill City Park. —Courtesy

Franklin was awarded $512,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program to build a pedestrian walkway over the iconic trestle bridge. Courtesy

Franklin’s trestle bridge, with its aging wooden frame that rises 50 feet over the Winnipesaukee River, is a centerpiece of the city’s downtown.

The old railroad bridge has been out of commission for many years – but a half a million dollar grant from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation could change that.

The city was awarded $512,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) late last month to build a pedestrian walkway over the iconic trestle bridge.

The walkway will connect the 11-acre Mill City Park – proposed to accompany the city’s whitewater project – with the existing Winnipesaukee River Trail. That way, pedestrians can navigate both sides of the river with ease.

Mill City Park will house a community garden, pavilion, two public bathrooms, picnic areas, educational areas, hiking trails, a parking area, a climbing wall and a mountain bike pump track system, according to concept plans.

It also may host a camping site, organizers say.

The park will be free to the public. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Franklin City ManagerJudie Milner said the restoration and repurposing of the trestle bridge is an important addition to the city’s revitalization efforts.

“Anyone who has been through Franklin’s downtown has seen this iconic trestle view bridge,” she said. “It is a vital piece of Franklin’s history.”

Mayor Tony Giunta said the grant is an encouraging step forward in what has been a years-long process to finalize plans for the city’s whitewater park.

“This award clearly builds upon our efforts to expand outdoor recreation in our community,” Giunta said.