BRIDGE TYPE SELECTION COMMITTEE MAKES HISTORIC DECISIONS
December 2006 -- The Bridge Type Selection Process came to a close December 12 when the project’s Executive Bridge Type Selection Committee chose the final bridge types for the Downtown and East End spans. A 37-minute discussion featured two unanimous votes cast by the 14-member committee.
The next phase of the design process can now begin, as design teams go to work on a three-tower cable-stayed structure for the Downtown Bridge, and a median-tower cable-stayed bridge with center cables in the East End. The 14-member selection committee drew on public feedback gathered over the past 18 months. Recent activities included a public vote, open houses and input submitted via an on-line comment form.
The Downtown Bridge design features three low-height towers and cables arranged in a simple harp formation. The East End design includes two needle towers rising through the center of the deck, with cables attached to the center of the bridge. Committee members agreed that the final selections need to complement, rather than dominate, their surroundings.
Committee members commented that the East End Bridge type will be in keeping with the pristine nature of its environment, while the Downtown Bridge type fits in well with surrounding structures.
“These two bridge designs best fit the distinct character of two very different areas of our region,” said Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. “I’m pleased they were the unanimous choice of the committee.”
The committee’s final decision marks the culminating event in an 18-month public involvement campaign. Recent public involvement initiatives have included a public vote, open houses, feedback via an on-line comment form and other activities.
The committee called for a public vote at its first meeting, held Nov. 1 in Louisville. Nearly 5,000 votes were received via the project Web site, with more than 600 ballots were cast at open houses.
The two bridge design teams will spend the next 18 months completing design work, a phase that will include further public involvement. Discussions with the community will focus on aesthetic features such as lighting, colors and textures.