Pedestrian Bridge

[SXSW]

Article from the Frontier about the new pedestrian bridge concepts to replace the existing bridge.  The V2025 renewal was supposed to rehab the bridge and add an upper deck for bikes but was deemed too costly due to the age and structural integrity of the bridge.  So instead we're getting a new bridge and these are some of the concepts:

1


2


3


4


5


https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/city-to-solicit-design-ideas-for-new-pedestrian-bridge-over-arkansas-river/

[Ibanez]

Some good designs.

Unfortunately we will get something much closer to this:

[BKDotCom]

Anyone know the functional requirements?

I know the dbl-decker version was to have the lower level for pedestrians and the top for bicyclists.
The renderings all show single-level bridges.   Are they wider to accommodate split traffic like the newer trail system?

FWIW, I like #3 the best

[SXSW]

#1 appears to show a double-decker bridge which I would assume would be split into pedestrians on one level and bikes on the other.  The others all appear to show a single level.  I personally like the idea of having the double-deck but if cost is an issue (which it is) then we'll probably end up with a single deck.  In that case I hope it's wide enough, at least double the width of the current bridge.

I like the suspension bridges but also the arched ones because they can relate to the 21st and 11th St bridges.

[cannon_fodder]

Double-decker would be a really good idea.  Split trails work fine, but on a bridge people often tend to hug the railings to look at downtown, take photos, eyeball fish, or whatever.  As a cyclist even slow speeds are nerve wracking because of dogs (who while on a leash can cross the entire path), people suddenly turning around, fisherman, etc.  There isn't an escape route if things go bad and sometimes your center of gravity could be over the railing.  Not a necessity, but if we are putting up a purpose made bridge to last another 100 years, it may as well be awesome.

- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Fisherman
- Photo ops
- Kayaks?  If we have to build new piers anyway, could be a cool opportunity to add to the kayaking envisioned.

[sgrizzle]

FWIW, they knew the bridge was coming down about a year ago. Apparently old rail bridges are only good for villains with twirly mustaches to blow up these days.

I would guess all concepts could be double decker, or physically divided if not.

[joiei]

Here is an original idea from a friend of mine on another site. Maybe it's the extra caffeine I've swilled today, but I'm contemplating submitting something for this -- or, at least, posting something about it now so that others will take my idea and run with it. I was envisioning a new pedestrian bridge like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, except Tulsa's could be the Art Dec-chio over Arkansas -- or something much less stupid-sounding -- with local-centric retail shops and food stalls, art displays, you name it. Oh! Or The Boxyard Over the Arkansas! Anyway, I'm excited to see what some of our area's awesome visionaries come up with.

[patric]

FWIW, they knew the bridge was coming down about a year ago. Apparently old rail bridges are only good for villains with twirly mustaches to blow up these days.

Is restoring the historic railroad bridge completely out of the question?

[Tulsasaurus Rex]

Here is an original idea from a friend of mine on another site. Maybe it's the extra caffeine I've swilled today, but I'm contemplating submitting something for this -- or, at least, posting something about it now so that others will take my idea and run with it. I was envisioning a new pedestrian bridge like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, except Tulsa's could be the Art Dec-chio over Arkansas -- or something much less stupid-sounding -- with local-centric retail shops and food stalls, art displays, you name it. Oh! Or The Boxyard Over the Arkansas! Anyway, I'm excited to see what some of our area's awesome visionaries come up with.

That seems like some cool discussion. What site?

[sgrizzle]

Is restoring the historic railroad bridge completely out of the question?

You can propose building a replica. I think that is your closest option.

[sgrizzle]

Here is an original idea from a friend of mine on another site. Maybe it's the extra caffeine I've swilled today, but I'm contemplating submitting something for this -- or, at least, posting something about it now so that others will take my idea and run with it. I was envisioning a new pedestrian bridge like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, except Tulsa's could be the Art Dec-chio over Arkansas -- or something much less stupid-sounding -- with local-centric retail shops and food stalls, art displays, you name it. Oh! Or The Boxyard Over the Arkansas! Anyway, I'm excited to see what some of our area's awesome visionaries come up with.

But. but. but... then you can't park in front of the store

[johrasephoenix]

I just looked up that bridge in Florence.  Wow.  It still amazes me how a few centuries back they could build these amazing cities with muscles and chisels while we, who can engineer space ships and nuclear submarines, are stuck with Bass Pro Shop and Chili's. 

Anyway, I heard that the bridges over the railroad downtown used to have stores on them.  Don't know if it's true but sounds cool. 

[BKDotCom]

with local-centric retail shops and food stalls, art displays, you name it. Oh! Or The Boxyard Over the Arkansas!

I saw that idea on either the Tulsa World or Reddit.   but instead of local-centric shops, it was just a long REI bridge across the river.

[BKDotCom]

I just looked up that bridge in Florence.  Wow.  It still amazes me how a few centuries back they could build these amazing cities with muscles and chisels while we, who can engineer space ships and nuclear submarines, are stuck with Bass Pro Shop and Chili's.  

That bridge was built covered so that Royalty didn't have to mingle with the plebs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasari_Corridor

[Red Arrow]

You can propose building a replica. I think that is your closest option.

Putting some (real) trolley rails across the river there might be a good route for a trolley to get downtown folks to both the Gathering Place and Turkey Mountain.  There would be some difficulties using the old Midland Valley R.O.W. but it is a possibility. Think trolley parks of the late 1800s.