Approximately 80 people, following appropriate social distancing and mask guidelines, gathered in the northwest corner of Utah Valley University’s Orem campus to cut the ribbon on a new pedestrian bridge, connecting UVU’s main and west campuses and the UTA FrontRunner Orem Central Station.

The bridge is Utah’s largest pedestrian bridge, spanning more than the length of three football fields. The covered bridge features 15,000 square feet of heated concrete and a walkway lined with 125 lights and 18 security cameras. The new addition, providing students with a faster and safer way to get to campus, will be fully finished in early February.

UVU Vice President of Finance and Administration Val Peterson kicked off the ceremony by welcoming guests and explaining the creation of the pedestrian bridge, from the idea to the final product. Peterson mentioned that the bridge first appeared on the UVU master plan in 1993 as a way to connect the two campuses. He went on to say that funding for the bridge was approved in 2016 and construction began in 2018.

Following Peterson’s remarks, a Top Gear-inspired video created by UVU Studios and Broadcast Services showcased students and Willy the Wolverine racing to campus while fighting traffic and other travel issues, illustrating the need for the bridge.

Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Transportation Teri Newell then addressed the crowd. “This bridge will have a long-lasting effect on the community,” Newell said. It’s going to improve the quality of life for the residents of Orem and all the people that are coming to Utah Valley University.” Other speakers included Carlton Christensen, chair of the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees, and Orem Mayor Richard Brunst.

Speaker Brad Wilson of the Utah House of Representatives also addressed the crowd, saying, “Over the next decade, this community and by extension this school will be front and center as our state continues to grow and develop. The leaders that come out of UVU and Utah County will significantly shape the direction our state will head. This ceremony isn’t simply to celebrate the completion of a bridge but to commemorate a new phase of leadership for Utah Valley University in the development of our state.”

Afterward, UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez took the podium, showcasing her UVU pride in a green fur coat. President Tuminez highlighted the impact that UVU students have on the workforce and how the bridge is an extension of UVU’s core value of exceptional care. She stated, “It’s estimated that between 4,000-5,000 students will use the pedestrian bridge daily. As Utah Valley University grows on the west side of I-15 and residential developments expand, that number could reach 20,000. Regardless of the reason for coming to our campus, this bridge will provide another welcome path to our front door.”

Once the speaking had concluded, guests were invited to stand on the steps of the bridge while students, local and state officials, and university personnel cut various ribbons as Willy rode down the bridge on a scooter.

The UVU Culinary Arts Institute provided hot chocolate and other weather-appropriate beverages while the Green Man Group serenaded the crowd.