Using a large crane, workers lift a section of a pedestrian bridge Tuesday that will link the Volkswagen manufacturing facility with the nearby training center at the Enterprise South industrial park. Staff photo by John Rawlston

Workers today started placing the big structural steel segments for the key pedestrian bridge at Volkswagen's auto assembly plant in Chattanooga.

The $7.25 million, 850-foot pedestrian bridge and guardhouse will serve as the main gateway to the plant where production on a new Passat sedan is to start next month.

The steel-and-glass bridge, more than one-quarter the length of the Walnut Street Bridge that spans the Tennessee River, goes from the Volkswagen Academy training center to the main production site.

The span, paid from city, Hamilton County and state funds as part of the automaker's incentive package, will cross over a stream and one of VW's vehicle test tracks and negotiate a steep change in elevation at the site, officials said.

For full story, see Wednesday's Times Free Press.