Grand Avenue Traverse: Uniting Accessibility, Utilities and Economy Into a New Experience

The Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge spans 85m from a park and residential neighborhood to a developing waterfront district that is 24m below. The bridge carries sewer, storm, and water utilities over rail lines and a highway while passing under power lines. The bridge’s east landing is on a landslide prone steep slope. On the west the bridge lands on a new concrete stair and elevator tower that rests on soil that is regularly infil- trated with seawater.

The design concept uses the constraints of the project to create a unique moment that is both utilitarian and unexpected. By sloping the truss to drop 4.8% towards the west, a set of accessible ramps are created on the top, side, and interior of a box-truss style bridge. Traversing 7m of elevation through accessible paths allowed the design team to minimize the height of the elevator and therefore moment into the foundations, critical for a site that is seismically active and located in seawater infiltrated soil.

Material choices for the bridge and throw barrier were based on considerations of durability and mainte- nance. Weathering steel is used for the primary truss members, painted steel for members located under the deck, and bare aluminum panels with a custom CNC cut perforation form the guardrail and throw barrier. All of the elements come together as a unified experience.

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