To the Editor:
Your report on the bridge that connects Newark with Jersey City {Pulaski Skyway...;Feb.18} overlooks the possibility of preserving the 75 year-old span for non-motorized use if and when a new bridge is built. The recycling of this 3.5 mile bridge for bicyclists, skaters, joggers, commuters & tourists ought to at least be studied before millions of state & federal dollars are committed for demolition.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoaus9z6A0Qb3e9aS2lBUOv4xrhr65HdDsmrKzdnWVmLxu7bjW8BDLlb-VRosglVU0SykOzgNxrzqATAGpWQ_cKbIaMTzjUvlPySnXeVqchqLj-qUtN4ppDHyIesM12ObGw46vQ/s320/750px-Pulaski_Skyway_full_view.jpg)
NPS public domain photo of the Pulaski Skyway
The Pulaski Skyway is just one of more than 50,000 bridges throughout the nation considered to be structurally deficient — for motor vehicles — which could be preserved and restored as valuable landmarks for just a fraction of the demolition costs. Exemplary is the preserved, 2.6 mile Friendship Bridge in Tampa. Scheduled for demolition in 1997, Tampa Bay's communities & planners rallied to save it, and did. Today the Friendship Bridge accommodates annually more than 6 million thankful users.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bJ01PNSX1cs1xjXAaLM45esI7TyCfR9-UINevKAPX5ZxNNvZMAsHh6QwbAViuZ1620ZWI6sGZY_nIMPDDbkDHaX1hYWILQDK8UJ_ocqbSaqQ7YsMlR-PiPrdCOH7IzlNOE_PUw/s320/friendship_bridge.jpg)
Friendship TrailBridge Opening Day on Tampa Bay FL
From the Friendship TrailBridge website
Like the landmark "Trenton Makes" Bridge, the Skyway could be a vital segment of the Maine to Florida East Coast Greenway, and deserves a thorough review and estimate for potential reuse. Currently, there isn't a safe, convenient option to cross the Hackensack River without an automobile. The Pulaski Skyway could be a gateway to connect some of New Jersey's most densely populated urban areas.
WalkbikeJersey, a non-profit organization committed to reuse, recycling, and promoting alternative transportation options in our state, is ready to assist in every way.
Kerri Martin
Founder
WalkBike Jersey
![](file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/John/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg)
![](file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/John/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg)