George Washington Carver Bridge

George Washington Carver Bridge
Coordinates41°34′52.5″N 93°38′26.8″W / 41.581250°N 93.640778°W / 41.581250; -93.640778
CarriesVehicles, Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Crossesthe Raccoon River
LocaleDes Moines, Iowa
Characteristics
DesignTied Single Arches
Longest span279 ft (85m)
History
Construction end2005
Location
Map

Description

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The George Washington Carver Bridge is located in Des Moines, Iowa over the Raccoon River. Part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, the bridge provides three roadway lanes in one direction and two roadway lanes and one bikeway/pedestrian lane in the opposite direction framed by two arches. The main supporting structures and free standing arches are visible at the roadway level. The roadway is suspended by cables from two steel arches, painted blue to complement the site's abundant greenery and to clearly mark the river crossing. The arches, with their concrete superstructures, appear to float over the water framing the views of the skyline and Iowa's tallest skyscraper, creating a welcoming gateway to the city from the airport.

Design and construction

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The George Washington Carver Bridge was completed in 2004 with Boston-based transportation architect Miguel Rosales of Rosales + Partners providing concept development, preliminary aesthetic design, and community participation for the city of Des Moines.[1] The lead engineering firm for the bridge was Earth Tech Inc.

References

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