This project constructed a new 500-foot pedestrian bridge over Interstate 675 connecting the cities of Beavercreek and Fairborn. The new bridge now provides safer access from Wright State and Clark State universities and adjacent properties to the retail and commercial properties on the other side of the interstate without requiring pedestrians and cyclists to use a high-volume vehicular bridge.
A 3-D model was built using MicroStation to take advantage of the enhanced rendering capabilities to gain support for the project from citizens and private stakeholders. It was important that the location of the new bridge connected into the existing pedestrian/bicycle networks on either side of the interstate, including the Wright State University campus trail system and Pentagon Boulevard’s existing multi-use path system.
Special consideration was given to designing a bridge that is ADA accessible so as to accommodate the greatest number of users. This was a challenge due to the 20 foot grade difference on the north side of the bridge. Through creative design, LJB was able to accommodate ADA accessibility while also provide a user-friendly trail. The bridge will be illuminated using lighting units in the bridge railing itself as well as decorative pedestrian scale lighting on the approaches.
LJB provided civil, structural and lighting design for the bridge, as well as public involvement coordination and environmental services including an ecological survey report, an environmental categorical exclusion NEPA document, and an ESA screening.
