Bicycling enthusiasts didnt get their wish, but plans for the new Innerbelt Bridge are impressive. Walsh Construction of Chicago was chosen to build the $287.4 million structure by fall 2013. Although a rival firm filed suit claiming the design doesnt meet bid requirements, Ohio Department of Transportation deputy director of District 12 Bonnie Teeuwen says, Were confident well win the ruling. Here are a few of our favorite features.
Robert Rozboril
Actually, its two bridges: The new Innerbelt Bridge is 4,246 feet long roughly 800 feet less than the current one to make way for a gateway bridge over Ontario Street that will create a smooth transition for traffic leaving and entering downtown, says ODOT project manager Craig Hebebrand.
There are new bike lanes: Safety concerns kept them from the bridge itself, but new bicycle lanes will be installed on the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge, Abbey Avenue and up East Ninth Street to Broadway. A Tremont hillside beneath the new bridge will also be regraded and decorated with trees and shrubs.
It'll light up the night: Energy-efficient LED lights will create a glowing trestle reflected by the Cuyahoga River a bit of eye candy that helped the winning firm close the deal. As Teeuwen explains, We gave five extra bonus points for the design that was most aesthetically pleasing.
