American Tobacco Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge

Durham, NC, United States

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American Tobacco Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge

Durham, NC, United States

Firm

Steven Grover & Associates

Type

Transport + Infrastructure › Bridge Bicycles

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2014

BUDGET

$5M - 10M

The American Tobacco Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge closes a critical gap in the East Coast Greenway, which seeks to provide a nearly 3,000-mile urban greenway for non-motorized travel between major cities of the US Atlantic Coast. Located in one of the fastest growing areas of the nation, the bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing spans Interstate 40 to serve both recreational users and commuters. The bridge’s delicate form and light color contrast with the I-40 corridor and changing seasonal colors of the surrounding arboreal landscape.

The overcrossing combines a concrete stressed-ribbon deck with a steel arch. With a span of 210 feet between arch supports, the bridge is the longest hybrid stressed-ribbon span in North America. Taking advantage of the project site’s symmetrical topography, the bridge structure self-anchors its low-profile dual arches and eliminates the need for a heavy foundation system. Additionally, the 286-foot deck integrates seamlessly into the bridge’s approaches and landings atop the embankments without the need for ramping.

A primary design goal was to maximize an open and airy user experience in spite of strict Department of Transportation requirements for fencing with small openings and overhangs. To address these requirements and counter the visual tunnel effect that can make long parallel lines appear to merge to a vanishing point, the bridge design includes a bespoke fence support system with exceptionally long spacing of 16 feet between sleek verticals, and undulating fence and railing lines that follow the curves of the deck. Additionally, the lens-shaped deck plan that includes a widening towards the center also minimizes a tunnel effect and complements the tendency of many bridge users to pause halfway to take in the view. At twilight, the deck lighting, integral to the vertical fence and railing supports, creates a rhythmic pattern as users pass over the traffic below.