The Wheeling Suspension Bridge’s fate has quite literally hung in the balance for the past six years. Now, as the most significant renovation of downtown in decades draws to a close, it’s time for the bridge’s future to be revealed. Leaders in Charleston must make a clear, final determination about how this historic span will fit into the city’s skyline — either as a traffic artery or an historic walking span.

The installation of removable bollards at each end of the 176-year-old bridge has reignited discussion about its future. Those obstructions –meant to impede vehicles from accessing the span — appeared at first to signal a permanent shift to pedestrian-only use. But state highway officials on Monday made clear that nothing has been decided, as the bollards can be removed at any time.

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