Public Works Bridges
reduce its intrusion into the park below. Photo courtesy city of Bellevue
Meydenbauer Park Bridge replacement
Location: 9714 Lake Washington Blvd., Bellevue
Owner/developer: City of Bellevue
Project team: Mowat Construction Co., general contractor; TranSystems, structural engineer; Rinker Materials Northwest, ready-mix supplier
The $2.4 million project involved replacing a deficient bridge carrying traffic over an urban park. A flat arch concrete box girder was used, since the bridge crosses a deep ravine. The inclined arch legs induce compressive stresses to maximize efficient use of steel and concrete.
Bridge piers were set back and uphill from the main walkway in the park to reduce intrusion on the park setting. The result is a light and graceful appearance.
The site was confined and had restricted access, requiring detailed forms and having the bridge’s ready-mix concrete pumped.
Bridge railing was precast to speed up the construction schedule.
Finalists in the category included the Interstate 90 Sunset Interchange in Issaquah and the Lewis & Clark Bridge 433/1 deck replacement project in Longview.