On Saturday April 19, 2025, in Athens, Ga, the Roadshow celebrated the restoration of one of the state’s most culturally and historically significant infrastructure landmarks—the Murmur Trestle. The event was livestreamed and can be replayed here.
Now a treasured part of Athens’ Firefly Trail, the Murmur Trestle first captured national attention in 1983 when it appeared on the back cover of R.E.M.’s debut album, Murmur. This year marks the 42nd anniversary of that iconic album and the 45th anniversary of R.E.M.’s first live performance, making today’s Roadshow stop especially meaningful for both the local community and fans of music history.
“Projects like this remind us that infrastructure isn’t abstract—it’s deeply human,” said Sean McCone, Vice Chair of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). “It shapes our daily lives, our sense of place, and our ability to grow stronger together.”
Thanks to the vision and work of engineers, planners, and public works professionals, the trestle has been carefully restored to enhance safety and longevity while preserving its historic character. This thoughtful rehabilitation exemplifies how tradition and innovation can work hand-in-hand to serve communities—now and for generations to come.
“There are many new bridges being built that inspire and help us get where we want to go.The new Murmur Trestle Bridge does this and more,” said Past American Public Works Association President Stan Brown, the former public works director for Athens-Clarke County, GA. “It’s an emotional connection to a great alternative rock band, and it delivers an historical connection to a time when the railroad was a vital commercial link for downtown Athens.”
The event welcomed a wide range of participants, including Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz, Eric Bosman from Kimley-Horn—the firm responsible for the trestle’s rehabilitation—and Bertis Downs, longtime manager of R.E.M. Leaders from the Roadshow’s national partners also joined the celebration:
“At its core, well-designed infrastructure improves lives and makes communities stronger and more efficient,” said Stephan Durham, Ph.D., director of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Northeast Georgia Branch and interim dean of the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering. “But occasionally, engineers and public works professionals create something so profound that its role in a community stretches far beyond mere functionality. The Murmur Trestle Bridge stands as a symbol for Athens’ strength, creativity, and ingenuity. Projects like this demonstrate the emotional connection we can have with the built environment.”
The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow is a joint initiative of ACEC, APWA, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Since launching in 2022, the Roadshow has crisscrossed the country to highlight outstanding infrastructure projects that improve quality of life, drive economic growth, and strengthen community resilience. The Murmur Trestle marks the Roadshow’s 17th stop.