Carver Bridge
Des Moines, IA
- Bridge use: Vehicular
- Bridge type: Arch
- Bridge completion date: 1997 - 2005
- Bridge location: Midwest
- Bridge use: Vehicular
- Bridge type: Arch
- Bridge completion date: 1997 - 2005
- Bridge location: Midwest
Conceptual, preliminary, and final design
The George Washington Carver Bridge in Des Moines, Iowa, crosses over the Raccoon River as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Framed by two arches, the bridge provides three roadway lanes in one direction and two roadway lanes, and one bike/pedestrian lane in the other. The roadway is suspended by cables from the elegant steel arches. The main supporting structures and freestanding arches are visible at the roadway level. This makes the bridge transparent and preserves views of the riverbanks and the cityscape, creating a unique driving experience in the city. The blue arches complement the surrounding greenery and clearly mark the river crossing, creating a welcoming gateway into the city from the airport. The arches appear to float over the water framing the views of the skyline and Iowa’s tallest skyscraper. The George Washington Carver Bridge has become a new symbol of Des Moines.
- Client: City of Des Moines, IA
- Services: Community participation, Conceptual, preliminary, and final design
The George Washington Carver Bridge in Des Moines, Iowa, crosses over the Raccoon River as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Framed by two arches, the bridge provides three roadway lanes in one direction and two roadway lanes, and one bike/pedestrian lane in the other. The roadway is suspended by cables from the elegant steel arches. The main supporting structures and freestanding arches are visible at the roadway level. This makes the bridge transparent and preserves views of the riverbanks and the cityscape, creating a unique driving experience in the city. The blue arches complement the surrounding greenery and clearly mark the river crossing, creating a welcoming gateway into the city from the airport. The arches appear to float over the water framing the views of the skyline and Iowa’s tallest skyscraper. The George Washington Carver Bridge has become a new symbol of Des Moines.
