New Franklin Avenue Bridge: Modern with a Historic Look
The replacement Franklin Avenue Bridge will be a two-span concrete
bridge with one center support. Having only one center support will
help to maintain the views toward the Columbia River. Because it will
be constructed of concrete, the new bridge will be durable,
accommodating vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for many years to come.
The design is intended to blend in with the historic Adair-Uppertown
neighborhood and features an arched support and arched railings, as
well as historic-style streetlights. The plank sidewalks on both sides
of the bridge are considered historic and will be retained. There will
be at least one interpretive panel about the history of the
neighborhood. Officials went out of their way to ensure that the new
bridge is a good match with the historic district.
“We knew from our public involvement process that residents wanted a
bridge they could be proud of, with design features that fit the
neighborhood,” notes Astoria Public Works Director Ken Cook. “At the
same time, they wanted to keep the open views toward the river. We were
able to come up with an affordable bridge design that does both.”
Power lines that now run overhead will be placed in conduits on the
underside of the new bridge. The bridge will remain open to traffic
throughout construction.
To see what other design alternatives were considered, click here