Cady Way Trail and Pedestrian Bridge
RS&H provided design and permitting services for Phase II of the Cady Way Trail in Orlando, Florida. This multi-use pedestrian trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails program in which abandoned railroad right-of-way is converted for public use. The project connected two existing portions of the trail and included two bridges: a 685-foot bridge over SR 436 and a 90-foot bridge over the Crane Strand Canal.
As its centerpiece, the trail also included a new pedestrian bridge over SR 436. Serving as a gateway to Orange County, the structure creates a dramatic visual statement and simultaneously blends with the variety of neighboring businesses. The thin elements of the basket-handle arch design resulted in a sleek, dramatic statement while still allowing those viewing the bridge to see the surrounding environment through the structure rather than creating a visual obstruction.
Because of the numerous pressurized utilities near the bridge site, such as gas, potable water, sanitary sewer, and reclaimed water lines, the team used an innovative deep-pile foundation system versus shallow-spread footings, which safeguards against the potential loss of foundation materials should any of the pressurized utilities ever fail.
Project Details
Description | Transportation Engineering Structural Engineering Bike & Pedestrian Facilities |
Location | Orange County, FL |
Client/Owner | Orange County Department of Capital Projects |
Awards | Award of Merit in the Design Category, Open Space, Orange County Design Excellence Awards, 2008
Award of Honor for Structural Systems, Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) Engineering Excellence Awards, 2007 Engineering Award of Merit, Southeast Construction’s Best of 2006 |