The Vicksburg Bridge Commission will get the opportunity at considering opening the Old Vicksburg Bridge to pedestrian and bicycle traffic on a daily basis after the Warren County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution during their Monday regular meeting directing the commission to consider the matter.

Supervisor William Banks voted against passing the resolution.

The resolution, as read by Warren County Board of Supervisors Attorney Blake Teller says in part “… the board is asking the bridge commission to take such action as it deems reasonable and appropriate to open the 18-foot wide roadway for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on a daily basis.”

The supervisors went into executive session at the end of their meeting do discuss the bridge “because it may include litigation with the railroad” from the discussion, according to Teller.

The Kansas City Railroad, which leases the rail portion of the bridge and has made it clear it does not favor opening the bridge to pedestrians and bicyclists daily, could potentially fight the move in court.

“It’s our understanding the railroad may be opposed to the reopening of the bridge to pedestrian traffic,” Teller told the supervisors. “For that reason, the discussion may involve strategy related to how to get the bridge reopened for this purpose and handle any potential litigation that may arise.”

Representatives of the Friends of the Vicksburg Bridge, including Linda Fondren and Buddy Dees, were in attendance at Monday’s meeting and were elated the supervisors took the action when they emerged from executive session in passing the resolution to allow the bridge commission to consider opening the bridge.

Once the vote was taken, Fondren let out a “yay” in support.

The organization that favors opening the bridge year-round to pedestrians and bicyclists released a statement after the meeting.

“We are thrilled about the passing of the resolution today that instructs the Vicksburg Bridge Commission to take such actions as it deems necessary to open the bridge to pedestrians and bicyclists. This vote will enhance the quality of life and health of our community. This also creates opportunities for tremendous economic and tourism benefits…most of all we get to share this historic bridge with everyone else. We thank the Warren County Board of Supervisors, who have been most helpful throughout this process.”

Board President Richard George pointed out the railroad had made it clear of their concerns in opening the bridge to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Passing the resolution “gives the bridge commission the latitude they need to have to do the necessary process of deliberation to make a wise decision,” George said. “That’s important for them to know they have the support to exercise their opportunity to research and decide.”