PROJECT

Spokane, WA

U District Bridge

GARCO U district Bridge.GARCO U district Bridge.
GARCO U district Bridge.GARCO U district Bridge.
GARCO-UD-Bridge-3GARCO-UD-Bridge-3
University_Bridge-lower-res_1200wUniversity_Bridge-lower-res_1200w
University_BridgeUniversity_Bridge

Project Summary

The University District Gateway Bridge is in Downtown Spokane, located between the University District and the East Sprague neighborhood. The dual-span bridge crosses over the BNSF railway and East Martin Luther King Jr. Way, generating new connections within the local community and fostering new development in the historically underdeveloped Sprague neighborhood.

The robust details of the 450-foot span bridge were inspired by traditional railyard bridges, while the 120-foot-tall concrete arch establishes the bridge as an icon and significant new landmark on Spokane’s skyline. The bridge deck is suspended from the arch with thick steel cables and stout connectors, creating a visual counterpoint to the graceful curve of the bone-white arch. The sturdy 10-foot-high throw barrier required by the railroad completes the composition with built-in pathway lighting. At night four large floodlights and the programmable color-changing LED system illuminate the iconic structure, enhancing its visibility from throughout the city.

LOCATION: Spokane, WA
CLIENT: University District
SIZE: 450 feet long​ and 120 feet tall

AWARDS:

  • American Public Works Association National Project of the Year in the Transportation, $5M – $25M category 
  • American Public Works Association Washington Chapter State Project of the Year in the Structures, $5M – $25M category 
  • American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington Gold Award for Structural Systems
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