2006 Light Duty Bridge

Red River of the North Pedestrian Bridge – Grand Forks

Owner: US Army Corps of Engineers City of Grand Forks	Entered by: Aggregate Industries
Contractor: Swingen Construction Co.	Structural: Ayres Associates, Eau Claire, Wi.
Project Manager: US Army Corps of Engineers

Construction on the Grand Forks Permanent Flood Protection Project has essentially been continuous since the spring of 2000. By the end of 2006, over $400 million has been spent to construct the protection system and amenities, and the project is now coming to a close. One of the major components of the project has been the recreational redevelopment of the green spaces along the river front on both the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks sides of the river. A primary focus has been the system of trails constructed to service hikers, bikers and rollerbladers during the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter. As part of the 20 mile long trail system, two concrete pedestrian bridges have been constructed; one each on the north and south sides of the communities. These bridges connect the recreational trail system on both sides of the river in order to maximize access to all the trails throughout the area. The bridges are essentially identical to each other. With a length of 400 feet and width of 12 feet, these delicate appearing bridges rise from the muddy Red with a gleaming white surface finish. The cast-in-place haunched slab bridges perform far beyond their appearance, being set on stout poured concrete piers and deep foundations. Due to economics, they were designed to withstand submergence during severe flooding conditions. In order to avoid damage from ice floes and floating debris and to minimize channel obstruction, they have been constructed with removable railings systems. The use of epoxy coated steel and durable concrete for the bridge superstructure means the Grand Cities will benefit from an economical and low maintenance structure for now and the extended future. Congratulations to our friends to the North who can now enjoy the fruits of their efforts in flood recovery and enjoy the outdoors along their great river resource.