The issue of the long promised pedestrian bridge to Rhode Island Metro station has been brought up several times in the debate over what could have helped save the now closed Safeway. Well it seems like the wait is finally over. 

 
 WASHINGTON - Metro riders who want to walk or bike to the Rhode Island Avenue station will soon have an easier time of it.

Metro's board of directors has approved an agreement allowing the D.C. Department of Transportation (web | news) to build a bicycle and pedestrian bridge to the station. The bridge is meant to provide a safer and more direct connection between the station and neighborhoods to the west and will provide access from the Metropolitan Branch Trail. 

Officials hope it will encourage more people to walk or bike.

The District of Columbia is spending about $4 million on the project and will operate and maintain the bridge. It is expected to open in the fall of 2011.