The Washington Avenue Bridge crosses the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota and connects the East Bank and West Bank portions of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The bridge is unique for being a double-decker bridge, with the lower portion designated for roadtraffic and the upper level used for pedestrians and bicyclists (lanes specifically for bikes are on the north side). It is a utilitarian structure with simple architecture, but it has cultural significance because thousands of students, faculty, staff and visitors walk across it every day.
I don't know how many times I walked across this bridge while I attended the U. Wonderful in the summer but quite different in the winter months!
Linking to Our World Tuesday
I like the composition of this photo and the description of the use of this bridge.
ReplyDeleteThere is quite a nice skyline view from up there.
ReplyDeleteI'm really confused. Love the bridge. Was this a double-decker in the mid to late 50s? I don't remember it and I a year at the Univ. of Minnesota.
ReplyDeleteThe top deck on the bridge was originally just a flat space. Traversing the bridge in the harshness of winter was very uncomfortable, so an enclosure running down the center of the pedestrian area was added by the 1970s. Originally meant to be a heated indoor pedestrian area, due to energy cost concerns, the walkway is mostly unheated. There are some heaters inside that keep the area slightly warmer than outside, and some heat loss from the steam mains, but it can still dip below the freezing point. The structure also adds a windbreak for the top level, improving conditions for people who choose to walk outside. In the summer, large overhangs also provide some shade.
DeleteHow nice that they made a level for each. Brrrr walking across in winter would be cold....maybe they could glass it in.
ReplyDeleteI like it- it has character. And those long, high bridges can be a whole different story on a cold winter day.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that people can actually walk or bike across the bridge. Winter would be harsh though but I bet you would feel good after you walked it a few times.
ReplyDeleteThanks for clearing that up, Kate. I don't want to think I'm losing my mind as some folks would maintain! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish there were more bridges that are pedestrian friendly. It really adds to the cost but we need to make walking more inviting (and safe) for people.
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