Burlington Approved Cascade Bridge Review
The city moved forward with a historic review required to secure federal funding for the bridge replacement project.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Burlington City Council has approved a Section 106 Review for the Cascade Bridge project, a necessary step for receiving federal funding. The city also secured a separate $6.7 million grant to construct a third fire station.
Why it matters
The review ensures the city meets historic preservation requirements, which is a condition for accessing federal project funds. This clears a path to restore a crossing that has been closed to the public for nearly a decade.
The bridge project is budgeted at $10.9 million, with $7 million provided through grants and $3.9 million from city funds. Additionally, the fire department received a $6.7 million grant for a new station.
The players
Burlington City Council
This is the governing body responsible for legislative decisions and infrastructure planning in the city of Burlington.
Burlington Fire Department
The local emergency agency serving the community that is set to expand operations with a new station and additional staffing.
The details
To satisfy federal preservation mandates, the city will create a 10-minute documentary on the 1896 bridge and install an informational display featuring 30 feet of salvaged railing and three panels in Dankwardt Memorial Park. The display is required to remain for at least three years.
Timeline
The Cascade Bridge was built in 1896.
The bridge closed to vehicles in 2008 and to pedestrians in 2019.
City Council approved the Section 106 Review on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Bridge construction could begin in late spring or early summer 2027.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the national trend of local governments leveraging federal grants to rehabilitate aging infrastructure through the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. These investments help municipalities manage legacy assets while simultaneously modernizing essential emergency service coverage.
Residents can expect the return of a pedestrian connection that has been inaccessible since 2019 once construction concludes. The additional grant for the fire department aims to bolster public safety by adding a new station and new training roles.
The takeaway
The approval allows Burlington to move toward rehabilitating a long-closed historic landmark while upgrading critical emergency services. These steps represent a significant investment in the city's long-term infrastructure and public safety capabilities.
What happens next
Bid letting for the construction phase is scheduled to take place this winter.
Further reading
For more information on local development efforts, visit the Philanthropy section.
More information
View the project details on the City government website and livestream.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Gate City.
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