Griffin Bridge
Des Moines, IA
- Bridge use: Pedestrian
- Bridge type: Arch
- Bridge completion date: 1997 - 2005
- Bridge location: Midwest
- Bridge use: Pedestrian
- Bridge type: Arch
- Bridge completion date: 1997 - 2005
- Bridge location: Midwest
Community participation
Conceptual and preliminary design
The reconstruction of I-235 through downtown Des Moines offered the opportunity to improve the appearance of fourteen miles of interstate highway and reunite neighborhoods along the roadway. As part of the highway corridor improvements plan, a series of three pedestrian bridges consisting of blue basket-handle steel arches with clear spans crossing over the interstate were built. Inclined cables connect the arches to the deck. These highly visible bridges act as regional icons, marking the neighborhoods for travelers along the freeway. An innovative curved screen system is used to enhance security and the appearance of the structure, creating a unique experience for pedestrians and bicyclists using the bridges. The family of three iconic pedestrian bridges have become multimodal links between neighborhoods previously disconnected by the interstate highway. The Edna M. Griffin Memorial Bridge connects downtown Des Moines to the Botanical Garden. The other two bridges connect neighborhoods and local schools.
- Client: Iowa DOT, IA
- Services: Architectural visualizations, Community participation, Conceptual and preliminary design
The reconstruction of I-235 through downtown Des Moines offered the opportunity to improve the appearance of fourteen miles of interstate highway and reunite neighborhoods along the roadway. As part of the highway corridor improvements plan, a series of three pedestrian bridges consisting of blue basket-handle steel arches with clear spans crossing over the interstate were built. Inclined cables connect the arches to the deck. These highly visible bridges act as regional icons, marking the neighborhoods for travelers along the freeway. An innovative curved screen system is used to enhance security and the appearance of the structure, creating a unique experience for pedestrians and bicyclists using the bridges. The family of three iconic pedestrian bridges have become multimodal links between neighborhoods previously disconnected by the interstate highway. The Edna M. Griffin Memorial Bridge connects downtown Des Moines to the Botanical Garden. The other two bridges connect neighborhoods and local schools.
