When Janet Phillips conceived of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, she knew that the canyon would be a challenge. It is narrow and there are many areas that are privately owned both by individual landowners, utilities, as well as by the Union Pacific Railroad. Add to that the proximity to Interstate 80, crossing state lines (CA & NV) and the complex and challenging “right of way” issues that limit access to the Truckee River the project was an immense undertaking.
Wherever possible, Janet’s plan was to utilize existing roads, bridges and trails, both current and historical, and update them as needed rather than finding new routes. One of these “existing roads” was controlled by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) who managed and maintained a long (about 3 miles) utility road adjacent to the river that the TPT hoped to be able to gain access to for the trail. This section also had a bridge in place that went over the Truckee River. But there was one caveat though - the existing suspension bridge was deemed unsafe for public use.
Janet was not deterred. Always looking for solutions and refusing to say “I surrender”, Janet worked with TMWA and found a solution. Tahoe-Pyramid Trail would apply for a grant estimating the cost would be $384,000. The grant of $200,000 was awarded by the Nevada Division of State Parks. The funds were received in 2011 with a stipulation that the completion should be no later than December of 2013 which resulted in very compressed work schedule. So the race was on!
During the 3rd quarter of 2012, the bids were received for the construction, but were higher than the anticipated amount. Thanks to the perseverance of both TMWA and TPT, a commitment was made together to find the additional funds, and Granite Construction was hired for the project.
As time passed and it was getting ever closer to the deadline, in the Spring of 2013, the main end support cables were finally strung and anchored, the deck suspension was installed, and approaching ramps and side rails were built and finalized. So close but still there were few more hurdles to contend with… but the finish line was in sight.
In September, Janet was able to sign off on the final request for funds which allowed the project to move to completion and a big sigh of relief.
And while that word, tenacity, seems to come up with every phase of the TPT, this is one instance that stands out as an incredible example of both tenacity AND partnership. It was Janet’s vision and a very close working relationship with TMWA along with their combined dedication that played the critical role in putting this bridge in place to enjoyed by all!
TMWA is an amazing partner to this day and we are grateful for their continued work on this trail!
