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The City of Tucson hosted a groundbreaking Thursday for the Cushing Street Bridge. City leaders hope the project will connect the east and west portions of downtown. The bridge is described as 320-feet-long and will including one travel lane in each direction. It will feature bicycle lanes, shaded pedestrian walkways and public art.

Jim Glock, the transportation director said, "You know when I-10 was built in a way that kind of separated the east and west side that has traditionally been more connected so to reconnect neighborhoods and communities is to recognize and celebrate."

And it's good for business said Maurice Destouete from the Riverpark Inn, "It's critical to get transportation around Tucson to bring people downtown is important to business owners who have interests in downtown."

Councilman Steve Kozachik says he believes the project is a good idea but wants to be sure it's funded adequately. He said the streetcar project could cost roughly $4,000 a day in maintenance and operations.

Construction on the the Cushing Street Bridge has already begun and is expected to be completed in about 12 months.