The Shoals, Alabama

old railroad bridge Conceptual Plan

The concept for a new pedestrian walk and observation area at the Old Railroad Bridge was developed in collaboration with local partners by the Tennessee RiverLine Planning and Design team as a part of the Community Planning Initiative funded by USDA Rural Development, TVA, and UT Knoxville. Three primary goals that the project seeks to accomplish are: to connect the communities of The Shoals through a unifying public space and increased pedestrian opportunities at the Old Railroad Bridge; to enhance the ecological diversity of the area to support local plant and wildlife species; and to commemorate the rich history of The Shoals through a comprehensive and contemporary interpretive signage and wayfinding package.

Project Goals

Based on the feedback received from The Shoals’ Local Leadership Team as well as the community-wide survey, the Tennessee RiverLine Planning & Design team has identified 3 primary project goals that the park design at The Old Railroad Bridge seeks to accomplish:

Connect communities through unifying public spaces and increasing trail opportunities
Commemorate the rich history of The Shoals through interpretation
Enhance the ecological diversity of the area to support local plant and wildlife species

By enhancing equitable river access, restoring and educating through ecological stewardship and cultural interpretation, and becoming a signature destination along the Tennessee River for outdoor recreation, the Old Railroad Bridge will serve as a catalyst for social connection, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Conceptual Site Plan

Conceptual Renderings

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Thank you to our supporters

This conceptual design was made possible by funding through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge, as well as through the generous support of 3M Decatur with funds from the 3M Foundation and the Tennessee RiverLine’s principal partners, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.