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Keeler Bridge

When the L&N Railroad abandoned the railroad corridor that is now the V&E Greenline, it removed the railroad trestle at West Creek (behind Woodmont Towers), dividing the Greenline into separate parts. To walk or bike from one end to the other, users had to leave the V&E Greenline and detour on neighborhood streets or walk down a steep path into the creek bed itself. As a result, very few users ventured beyond West Creek, in contrast to the other heavily used areas of the V&E Greenline.

A decision was made to harmonize the West Creek Bridge with the existing Lick Creek Bridge by matching the bridge décor when possible. It is a combination pedestrian and equipment bridge. Special care was taken to ensure that the bridge would withstand foot traffic and mowing equipment. Structural steel "I" beams were chosen and concrete piers were poured to provide additional weight bearing capacity. The total weight of the bridge is 13,000 pounds.

Community partner Keeler Ironworks donated the construction and installation of the bridge. The bridge was  fabricated at their Presidents’ Island facility, put on a truck for a journey to the V&E Greenline, and placed in its permanent position by a giant crane provided as a donation by Barnhart Crane and Rigging. Installation took place on December 18, 2003. 

Quotes from the Commercial Appeal

“We did it because it’s a great neighborhood coming up and it’s something we can contribute.” (Rob Keeler)

"The pedestrian bridge--nearly 17,000 pounds, 50 feet long--hung in the air by a crane's straps at 10:30 A.M. Thursday."  

"Bridges, it seems, make good neighbors."  

Tom Bailey, Jr. "Bridge makes V&E Greenline whole", Memphis Commercial Appeal, December 19, 2004

Keeler Bridge is named in honor of Rob and Wil Keeler, the community partners who were responsible for building and installing the bridge.

The Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation provided a planning grant that paid for the technical work—engineering analysis, architectural drawings, and City legal requirements. John Sheahan (left) represented the foundation at the installation.

A grant from the Eastman Kodak and the Conservation Fund paid for the steel used in the bridge fabrication. The remaining funding came from donations by Vollintine Evergreen residents and users of the V&E Greenline. 

Sean Fegette of VECA CDC designed the bridge, worked with contractors and dealt with regulatory issues. The V&E Greenline Committee, a program of VECA CDC, planned the bridge.