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February 10, 2025

Best in State - Gold Award: Exceeding Client/Owner Expectations

Photo from ACEC Washington [enlarge]
The 12-foot pedestrian bridge incorporates innovative construction methods, weathering steel towers and a timber superstructure.

Peterson Structural Engineers

Fishtrap Creek Suspension Bridge

Reichhardt & Ebe Engineering/City of Lynden

The Fishtrap Creek Suspension Bridge in Lynden is the highlight of the Jim Kaemingk Sr. Trail system, blending exceptional engineering with strong community involvement. Completed in July of 2024, after two years of design and one year of construction, the 120-foot pedestrian bridge spans Fishtrap Creek and serves as the central feature of the city’s three-mile trail. Peterson Structural Engineers (PSE), the Engineer of Record, led the project’s design and construction, overcoming budget challenges to create an iconic and functional structure.

The bridge incorporates innovative construction methods, including pin pile and cast-in-place concrete abutments, weathering steel towers and a timber superstructure. PSE’s careful design adjustments ensured that the bridge could be built within budget while maintaining the integrity of the original ambitious vision. The result is a striking structure that enhances the trail’s aesthetic appeal and showcases structural engineering at its best.

Community involvement was crucial to the project’s success, with local fabricators, contractors, and even residents contributing to the assembly and construction. This collaboration reflects the pride and spirit of the Lynden community, ensuring the bridge resonates with local identity. Moreover, the project benefited from generous donations and strong coordination between the city of Lynden and various local stakeholders, further highlighting its collective nature.

The Fishtrap Creek Suspension Bridge is more than just a functional crossing; it is a symbol of what can be achieved through creative engineering and community unity. It serves as a lasting testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and the collaborative efforts of engineers and the Lynden community, making it a worthy candidate for special recognition.


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