TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas River in Topeka is set to get a new bridge connecting the downtown area to the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO) in the near future. The Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council (RAC) is working to install a new "iconic pedestrian bridge" in the latest major announcement from the group and its vision for transforming the Capital City's riverfront areas. The RAC made the announcement Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Townsite Tower. “I’m thrilled to see a strategic vision for our capital city’s riverfront come together following months of hard work and collaboration,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP). “The Topeka/Shawnee County community remained front of mind throughout the visioning process. We stand on the shoulders of those who have been dreaming for years about the potential our Kaw River holds, and I’m eager to see the progress that lies ahead.” Bison for sale at upcoming auction in Kansas, what to know The RAC also unveiled proposals for new trails and river access points in Topeka, along with other mixed-use developments along the river which are likely to include restaurant, residential and retail opportunities. These efforts are part of a larger reimagining process for the downtown and NOTO which include the project area of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct. “It’s an honor to help lead this charge to design and reimagine our city’s riverfront with strategic vision and action,” said Greg Schwerdt, RAC chair. “With greater connectivity between key areas of our community on the horizon and developments in mind that will provide lively new entertainment and recreation opportunities, this is a plan the community can get excited about. Bolton & Menk has seen similar projects through to completion in other cities across the U.S., and they’ve proven to be strong partners throughout the process.” Topekans were asked to weigh in on what changes they wanted the RAC to create along the riverfront to make it accessible to locals through opinion surveys and an open house at the Great Overland Station earlier this year. The RAC collected more than 12,200 interactions with locals through these measures which it used to help give its current plan structure. Topeka Renaissance Festival set for summer 2025 The choice of a pedestrian bridge was one of the top picks for Topekans during the survey period. Locals also expressed interest in expanded recreational opportunities such as picnic areas, jogging/walking trails and lighting for the riverfront. “Our vision for the riverfront builds on previous efforts to activate a community asset that is central to the Topeka area’s growth and success,” said Kevin Holland, chair-elect of the RAC. “The bold, forward-looking projects being proposed are going to enhance and create new synergies within our downtown/NOTO core.” Members of the RAC plan to put the new pedestrian bridge over the river near Northwest Van Buren Street to the south and Northwest Railroad Street to the north, connecting the downtown capitol district with the NOTO area near the Great Overland Station. New restaurants, recreational opportunities and retail developments are expected to follow over the next three to four years depending on agency coordination, funding and permitting. "Just as Momentum 2027 is the community’s strategy, this vision plan will create a community riverfront that is appealing and accessible to all,” said Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, GTP's senior vice president of strategy. “We’ll continue to collect community input along the way, as key partners come together to develop a cutting-edge community core that leads to further growth and prosperity across our region.” Topeka brewery adds new game for customers to play 27 News first spoke with members of the RAC back in the summer of 2023 in an interview where they discussed early visions for the riverfront. You can learn more about the RAC and its current plans by clicking here. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.  Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf