AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - On Tuesday, city leaders took the first steps towards adding a new pedestrian bridge at the Augusta Canal.

The bridge would allow a new access point to the Augusta Canal Trail. State Rep. Mark Newton says he has been working in conjunction with the Canal Authority to make it happen.

“This could be a unique opportunity that not many places have," Rep. Newton says. "A pathway as beautiful as ours with water on both sides and beautiful woods, but also accessibility to food and beverages and shopping and entertainment. I think it’s just one step that could really help.”

Rep. Newton says the inspiration behind this bridge is the Atlanta BeltLine. Think restaurants and entertainment connected by a trail off Riverwatch parkway.

A connection from downtown for those who want to bike, kayak or walk.

It's taking advantage of what Augusta Mayor Johnson calls the most attractive place in the area and most under-used resource in the city.

“It’s going to be a phenomenal addition in that as we continue to try to highlight what I call one of our biggest assets that not a lot of people are aware of or don’t utilize everyday," Mayor Johnson says. "It’s our historic canal trail that flows from the head gates from Columbia County to Downtown Augusta. we’re excited today that we’re on our way to creating a pedestrian bridge.”

The plan is to place it next to the Residence at Riverwatch Apartment Complex, making it the first connecting area off Riverwatch Parkway to the canal trail.

The parking lot would be placed in between Top Golf and Cabelas.

The commission accepted $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Transportation to get the project started. Initial costs for the project are around $2 million. Rep. Newton says they are working to get the entire project funded.

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