The Grand Avenue pedestrian bridge will get a bit grander next year thanks to an upgrade project planned by the City of Eau Claire. The city has released Ayres Associates’ preliminary designs for the improvements, which include replacing the bridge deck (among other things, the walking area will be widened) as well as improving lighting and railings and adding more overlooks (increasing the number from two to six). The project, which is expected to cost between $1.1 million and $1.3 million, will be put out to bid early next year. Construction is expected to begin in the spring, with completion by July 4. The Grand Avenue bridge is more than 100 years old, and the walking surface was last replaced in the 1970s, City Engineer Dave Solberg said.