From Freight to Foot Traffic: Kingman’s Future Pedestrian Bridge

Whether through railroads, Route 66, or community bonding, Kingman has a long history of connecting people and places. As the city continues to revitalize and reimagine its scenery while highlighting its mark on Route 66, a small, yet significant addition to connectivity within Kingman is on the way.

Inspired by the boxcar bridge in Williams, Arizona (about 90 minutes from Kingman), that covers a drainage channel, the future boxcar bridge at Lewis Kingman Park will connect the open lot for safer and quicker pedestrian crossing. Currently, the open lot is used for overflow parking during community events. 

The Boxcar’s Journey  

Unlike the boxcar bridge in Williams, which was a gift from BNSF, Kingman’s boxcar has a more local, personal origin. Owned by Kingman Parks & Rec, for many years the boxcar served as a storage unit for nonprofit Little Leagues before being decommissioned. This piece of local history was perfect to revive and transform into a vibrant community asset, and the vision is progressing.

The city successfully secured a $7,500 grant from the Arizona Community Foundation to cover half of the estimated $15k pre-construction design costs. While construction costs remain to be determined, the city continues to seek and apply for additional funding, ensuring every dollar awarded is used to build this new, quality, and sustainability-forward landmark.

The Beauty of the Boxcar Bridge

The completion of the Lewis Kingman Park Pedestrian Bridge will advance Kingman’s future in several ways. In a city dedicated to supporting active lifestyles, outdoor amenities, and the natural beauty of its surroundings, the boxcar bridge will be a powerful enhancement. Its immense impact will improve the experience for residents and tourists alike.

Enhancing Pedestrian Safety

Navigating the busy street and congested sidewalks to reach the park during community events can be a real hazard, hardship, and deterrent for attendance. The boxcar bridge solves this problem by creating a dedicated, car-free pathway. It completely separates foot traffic from vehicles, offering a secure, stress-free route for pedestrians.

Encouraging Walkability and Active Lifestyles

The boxcar bridge isn’t only a win for community events. Once the shared co-work space is complete, employees will have a safe, quick, and effortless path to Lewis Kingman Park, transforming a simple lunch break into an opportunity for fresh air and exercise.

Celebrating Local Heritage

The boxcar bridge is a powerful symbol of Kingman’s heritage and culture. With more than 90 trains passing through the city daily, Kingman is one of the Southwest’s busiest hubs. Repurposing a piece of railroad history as a pedestrian fixture not only pays homage to the past, it also defines Kingman’s modern identity. Given Kingman’s reputation as an artists’ community, the final design should be nothing short of imaginative, adding to the city’s growing public art collection and infrastructure.

Reducing Traffic Congestion & Increased Sustainability

The boxcar bridge will funnel residents from the overflow parking lot directly into the park, easing frustrating congestion around the main lot and reducing the “getting lucky” search for a spot. More than that, this project is a win for sustainability with the historic boxcar being repurposed, encouraging additional walking steps, and reducing vehicle emissions.   

Choose Kingman

Kingman is on the verge of something great as it continues to revitalize and reimagine the city. You don’t want to miss what Kingman has to offer now and will offer later. Choose Kingman as a tourist destination and explore the many photo opportunities, historical value, and unique artwork the city has to offer. Choose Kingman for your future residency and enjoy many perks of living in the Southwest. Choose Kingman for your business and take advantage of a strategic location, dedicated workforce, and a community committed to progress.