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Rosales + Partners propose the completion of the Bruce Vento Trail Bridge
Rosales + Partners have released their proposal for the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Bridge in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The architects have designed a curvilinear, single tower suspension bridge that curves over a major road and railway line. The bridge was subject to several site constraints that helped to inform the design and resulted in the curved form that gave the best possible circulation between both sides.
The architects gave some insight into the decision for the curved form: “The curved alignment of the bridge creates a distinct geometry that blends well with the natural setting of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and also allows the structure to be suspended only from the interior side of the curvature, creating a dramatic and visually clean structure.”
Material choices and structural arrangements have been carefully thought about in order to minimise the impact to the surroundings. The cable spacing is wide to allow virtually uninterrupted views of the Nature Sanctuary when crossing over on the bridge. The relatively low profile of the bridge will minimise the chances of it becoming an eyesore when walking through the sanctuary.
The bridge is not only an aesthetically resolved piece, it is also functional. The bridge will be 3.5m wide to accommodate both pedestrian and cyclist traffic, connecting them both seamlessly from either the Bruce Vento Regional Trail or the Sam Morgan Trail that join at the adjacent ends of the bridge. The bridge is set to become a vital link for the Nature Sanctuary making them trails more accessible to all.
Matthew Goodwill
Editorial
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