London Bridge may be falling down, but Montevallo’s new Highway 119 bridge will soon be open to traffic.

And a federal grant will provide residents two miles of historic trail connecting two city parks.

According to city officials, the Highway 119 bridge is expected to open Thursday or Friday.

Montevallo Mayor Sharon Anderson announced at Monday night’s regular city council meeting that the city has a big Bridge Opening celebration set for Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m.

According to Anderson, there will be a parade, food and drink vendors, bands, singing and festivities.

She said the parade will cross the bridge to the car lot.

In another matter, the council unanimously accepted a $61,500 Recreational Trails grant funded by the Federal Highway Administration to construct a two-mile paved trail connecting Orr and Stephens parks.

Alabama’s Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the 80/20 grant. Anderson said nearly all of the city’s 20 percent match for the grant could be provided through in-kind services.

Gov. Bob Riley said, &uot;This trail not only will provide recreation for people of all ages, but it also will enhance the quality of life in Montevallo. I commend those who have worked to make this project a reality and I am pleased to support their efforts.&uot;

According to information provided by city clerk Carey Thompson, the trail follows Shoal Creek, King Creek and Davis Creek for much of the route.

It also traverses a historic and scenic mill pond and mill site, passes two historic springs, one still in use for a municipal water supply, crosses a scenic spillway over the Davis Creek outlet to the University Lake built in the 1930s and opens for public use previously inaccessible University of Montevallo scenic lands on the north side of the lake.

Anderson said she was excited about the project.

&uot;We’re very excited about receiving this grant. We feel like it will improve the quality of life for our citizens and visitors to the city,&uot; she said.

She also noted that the trail passes historic areas such as Shelby Street and under the new Highway 119 Bridge.

Town officials also hope to eventually extend the trail to other local attractions including The American Village, Davis Falls and other areas of Shelby County.

The council also approved cemetery rules and regulations and a park facility rental agreement.

Included in the rental agreement for Montevallo park facilities, renters must be 21 or older, and rent for the Orr Park building will be $100 per day plus a refundable $100 deposit after inspection by the Parks Superintendent.

The Orr Park gazebos will rent for $50 for a full day and $25 per half day plus a refundable $25 deposit after inspection by the Parks Superintendent.

No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in any park facilities, smoking is prohibited in all park facilities, music must be concluded by 10 p.m. and all rental must conclude by 11 p.m.

The council set a public hearing for Monday, June 13 to discuss a new performance subdivision description.

In other action the council:

* Cancelled its May 23 meeting due to the League of Municipalities meetings.

* Authorized a CAWACO (Cahaba, Warrior, Coosa Rivers) grant application.

* Accepted the bid of James Moore for $23,100 for paving on Motley Avenue. About $30,000 had been budgeted for the project.

* Approved the nomination of Chris Nix to replace Kirk Cunningham on Park and Recreation Board No. 1.

* Received the nomination of Mitchell Spears to replace Bobby Wyatt and Robert Pickett to replace Johnny Williams on Park and Recreation Board No. 2