Steven Grover & Associates led a team of design professionals to the successful solution of a long-span bridge design problem and trail design involving a highly complicated and controversial juxtaposition of land uses in Cupertino, California.  The bridge will span 8 freeway lanes, shoulders, on- and off-ramps, as well as a storm drain channel.  The trail will pass adjacent to a large high school, residential development, and a public storage facility.

A thorough study of project goals and concerns related to project implementation resulted in a clear formulation of specific design issues requiring solutions. They included privacy and security for adjacent residents, restriction of access to buffer zones for all but authorized users, creation of an interesting and pleasant user experience while deterring gathering and repose. SGA modeled geometry and prepared cost estimates for tubular through trusses and concrete box girder options, as well as tied arch, suspension, and cable-stayed options. A suspension bridge design was selected because it  provides minimal surfaces for graffiti, minimizes impact on residences by allowing for low ramp heights, and relates visually to the site context. Several factors contribute to making a suspension bridge competitive with a traditional concrete box for this project. These include savings in traffic control (no supports in freeway right-of-way), thin deck (shorter and lower ramping), and back span anchorages tied directly into a retaining wall system. The plan geometry incorporates a straight alignment over the freeway for economy and structural efficiency, but gentle curves at each end to pull the pathway away from residential development. Curving path alignments provide open sightlines, yet deter high cyclist speeds. The landscape design allows for scenic vistas but limits visual and physical access to restricted buffer areas.  It also creates a pleasant park-like environment while formally reinforcing a sense of movement to deter loitering or repose.

Location: Cupertino, CA

Bridge Length: 460 feet

Pathway Length: 1500 Feet

Bridge Construction Cost: $1.7 million

Pathway and Landscaping Construction Cost: $2.9 million

Client: City of Cupertino

Project Status: Schematic Design Approved by City Council, Final Project Funding Being Identified

Team Members

Steven Grover & Associates Prime Consultant, Bridge Architecture, Public Process