Downtown Bridge Design Alternatives
During Step Three of the Bridge Type Selection Process, the Downtown Bridge team
presented six alternatives to key stakeholders and the general public. At the end
of this step, the six bridge type alternatives were narrowed to three. Feedback
from the public and the Advisory Team was used, along with other factors, to determine
which three bridge types would move forward into Step 4.
The six bridge type alternatives that were considered in Step Three represented
a variety of features, from a low, open profile approach, to a more visually prominent
structure. This mixture reflected the full range of comments received from members
of the AAT/RAC and the general public.
Alternative A1 - Three-Span Tied Arch
This design features three sets of arch ribs, two sets of equal length flanking
a smaller, middle set. Each arch rib uses X-bracing, and vertical support hangers
that attach to the outside of the deck superstructure. This bridge type's piers
align with those of the John F. Kennedy Bridge.
Alternative A2 - Three-Span Thru Arch
The Three-Span Arch design has three sets of inclined arch ribs, connected by horizontal
bracing. One unique feature of this design is the arch form, which extends down
to water level. The vertical support hangers attach to the outside of the deck superstructure.
Alternative A3 - Hybrid Box Girder
The superstructure of this alternative design is below the deck surface. Its raised
profile sits 20 feet above the John F. Kennedy Bridge at peak, and its piers align
with the piers of the JFK Bridge.
Alternative A4 - Single-Tower Cable-Stayed
Alternative design Four offers a distinctive, single “A”-shaped tower with diagonally-shaped
support cables which fan out from either side of the tower and attach to the outside
of the deck superstructure.
Alternative A5 - Four-Tower Cable-Stayed
This design features multiple towers with an outward incline and semi-fan support
cables attached to the outside of the deck superstructure, giving it an open appearance.
The piers on this Four-Tower Cable-Stayed design align with the piers of the John
F. Kennedy Bridge.
Alternative A6 - Three-Tower Cable-Stayed
Alternative Six, the chosen bridge type, features three sets of twin-towers and
cables arranged in a simple harp formation. The support cables attach to the outside
of the deck superstructure, with the middle tower slightly higher than the other
two.
Park View
The top perspective shows a view of the bridge from the Riverview Park in Jeffersonville. The bottom view presents a view from Waterfront Park on the
Louisville side of the river. Roll over the numbers below to see views
of each alternative.
Click here to go to the top of the page.
Driver's View
You can view each alternative from the perspective of a driver crossing the
bridge. Roll over the numbers below to see a still view from each
alternative, or click on them to run the driver's view simulation. NOTE -
You will need QuickTime
installed on your computer to view this simulation.
Click here to go to the top of the page.
Alternative Issues Chart
The Bridge Alternative Comparison Chart allows you to compare construction
costs, construction impacts, and maintenance factors for each alternative.
Please click here to view the
chart.