To the editor:

Excellent idea Rob on the opening the rail bridge to the public! We have seen the beauteous nature of the Mississippi Bridge time and again in visuals all over the print media. What could be better than allowing the people to experience that for real?

Standing a 100 feet above the Mississippi waters would certainly allow thrills for children and adults alike. In my recent visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, I could visualize Vicksburg’s potential to create a similar experience.

This would be a shot in the arm for the struggling tourism initiative the Friends of Vicksburg have been trying to propagate. Vicksburg does need a strong riverfront appeal for tourists besides VNMP. If we can create a tourist focus around the bridge integrating the Welcome center, Navy Circle and the City Park, I am sure it would be a great addition to the attractions in Vicksburg.

Nature has provided a great spot with bluffs along the river and we need to utilize that. Since we already have a rail corridor along the riverfront, I would even suggest to connect the bridge with the Levy Street depot and Catfish row and the museums with a tourist rail link which runs along the waterfront, with food kiosks and souvenirs shops.

That would be a visually appealing ride for the people and would give them a glimpse of waterfront Vicksburg.

Michael Thakur

Vicksburg