NEW CASTLE — By this fall, those who want to walk or bike from the south side of the Colorado River to downtown New Castle on the north side should be able to do so, if all goes according to plans.

Construction has started on the long-awaited pedestrian bridge and trail that will link the south side of New Castle to the north side, allowing people to safely walk and bike across the river from one end to the other.

The bridge, being built by Gould Construction, will link both sides of town over the Union Pacific railroad tracks and Interstate 70 and run alongside the existing overpass.

“They’ve started on the bridge construction, and Johnson Construction will start on the trail on Tuesday,” said Tom Baker, New Castle town administrator.

The bridge is expected to cost $2.1 million, with money from the town, the Department of Local Affairs and a Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District grant.

The 1.2-mile paved trail will link the Apple Tree Park and Mountain Shadows mobile home parks along the river, through Coal Ridge Park and back up to the pedestrian bridge. Garfield County is paying the $795,000 cost for the trail.

“We’re looking at getting these both done by mid-November,” Baker said. “We want to get it done before winter sets in.”