Bridges & Structures

DOUGLAS AVENUE BRIDGE OVER I-35/80 - Des Moines

The Douglas Avenue bridge carries four lanes of traffic and a 14-foot wide (4.2M) bicycle trail over the very busy Interstate 35/80. Given the context, it was important to have significant and immediate visual impact for the high-speed viewers, which led to the use of color and the 10-foot tall (3 M) concrete "shark fin" end posts at the abutments.


Douglas Avenue's Wing features include rustications in the concrete to accentuate the bridge's long lines, a uniquely sculpted pier and fence posts set at a rakish 55-degree angle to complete the illusion of speed even for those driving or cycling over the bridge.

The architecture fits a theme of dramatic, streamlined modernism reflecting the fast pace of the freeway corridor.

Nearby bicycle tunnels received details to match the character of the bridge, creating a stylistic flavor for the entire interchange.

The project shows what can be done to an otherwise typical overpass bridge with very minor impacts on cost.

Return to the Featured Bridges page.

NOT FINDING WHAT YOU NEED? WE CAN HELP.

Login  |  ©  Iowa Department of Transportation.  All rights reserved.