Submitted by Peter Narsavage on Sun, 03/29/2009 - 2:33pm
Discovery Bridge, 1993
Owner: Franklin County Engineer
Location: Columbus, Franklin County Nominated by: Burgess & Niple, Ltd.
Description: A replacement structure for the deteriorated Broad Street Bridge in downtown Columbus could not detract from the charm of the Civic Center Historic District. Therefore, a community-based task force was organized to developed the visual design parameters for its replacement. The Task Force with additional input from public agencies and private individuals developed more than 115 criteria. The new Discovery Bridge is a unique structure that is respectful and reminiscent of the previous bridge while blending into the historic district, has the ability to accommodate future riverfront development, provides pedestrian access, met aesthetic criteria, and was cost efficient, all while satisfying the latest code requirements. At the time of its completion, the project claimed a number of firsts including: first cast-in-place post tensioned bridge in Ohio, largest laminated elastomeric bearings in the US, and largest diameter drilled shaft foundations for a bridge in Ohio.
