HOULTON – The landscape around the new pedestrian footbridge will be getting a lot greener after town councilors recently approved a measure that will have trees, shrubs and groundcover sprouting up around the trestle.

The structure, which stretches from the North Street Bridge across the Meduxnekeag River, has been in place for months. Envisioned by the Riverfront Committee, the new bridge is designed to give walkers easy access to historic downtown Market Square and the trails alongside the river.

Officials would like to create a park beneath the bridge on land that is adjacent to the river, which is where the new brush will go. The park is slated to be furnished with picnic tables, restrooms and other amenities.

Councilors accepted the low bid of $8,495 from Caron’s Lawn & Property Maintenance of Presque Isle to supply the plants.

Bid speculations put forth by the town required that the trees and shrubs be guaranteed for a year. If any of the plants die, they must be replaced.

The money for the initiative will come from an account already set up to fund the completion of the bridge and park.

The bridge will open to the public on June 30.

It has taken five years to garner enough money to construct the walkway, which has been financed mostly through grants and private donations.

More than $1 million has been raised for the project so far.