Celebrating 30 years of the Trona Bridge

The red Trona Bridge at Expedition Island has become an iconic symbol of Green River over the last three decades. Last week, community leaders and residents gathered at the island to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the bridge.

The event was hosted by the Green River Greenbelt Task Force, which Chairman John Freeman explained has been around since 1990.

"Today we're celebrating the first main project we had, and that's the Trona Bridge," Freeman said.

Freeman spoke at the event to thank everyone for their support and share some of the history of the bridge. He recounted some of the difficulties he and others had in trying to get the project started, and funded, including being scolded by TG Soda Ash Site Manager Roger Harris for asking for $50,000 without wearing a tie. However, Harris also told them "this is the best public project that I've seen since I've come to Wyoming."

Funded largely by the local trona industry, the Trona Bridge became a reality in 1994.

Many of the individuals who were supportive of the project back when it started were there to celebrate its anniversary, including former Green River Mayor George Eckman and current Councilmember George Jost.

Jost commented on how fun the event was, as did current Mayor Pete Rust, who said the celebration was great. Councilmember Sherry Bushman also attended, and participated in the 5K Fun Run that was part of the event. She commented jokingly on how "fun" it was to run with the high winds that evening, but also commented genuinely on how great the event was.

In addition to the Fun Run, the Trona Bridge celebration also included a raffle to help fund Greenbelt projects, free cake, and a loop of documentary films including both footage of the bridge's construction and information on current projects.

The event was also held in conjunction with the Green River Parks and Recreation's Street Eats on the Green program. Several food trucks were available throughout the evening, offering everything from tacos to shave ice to prime rib.

As the Greenbelt Task Force celebrates the success of past projects and how far the Greenbelt has come over the past 30 years, they are also looking forward to the future. The task force shared information on recent and ongoing projects, such as the construction of the Skyline Trail, which is getting close to completion.

Those who want more information, or who wish to volunteer or donate, can contact John Freeman at freeman@wyoming.com.