July 2012

Improving the Ballard Bridge for Non-Motorists

Posted 26 July 2012  |  Add new comment
The narrow width of the Ballard Bridge sidewalks is an impediment to bicyclists and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

Ranked in the top five cities for both “Cycling to Work” and “Walking to Work,” in the Alliance for Biking & Walking Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report, the City of Seattle encourages residents to embrace alternative transportation methods by continually looking to improve bicycle lanes and greenway conditions. One such improvement project is the current study to assess the alternatives and feasibility of widening the Ballard Bridge approaches for bicyclists and pedestrians.

One of only five general-purpose crossings of the 8.6-mile-long Lake Washington Ship Canal, the Ballard Bridge serves as a significant link between northwest and downtown Seattle. Constructed in 1938, the access across the bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians is known to be quite treacherous. The bridge’s sidewalks are a narrow 3.5 feet in width, concrete pillars protrude into the pathway, the grated bridge deck surface is not suitable for cycling, and bicyclists traveling southbound must come to a complete stop before merging into traffic at a dangerous 90-degree angle. Read more about Improving the Ballard Bridge for Non-Motorists

APWA Fall Conference Exhibitor Registration Opens

Posted 19 July 2012  |  4 comments

Exhibitor registration is now open for the Washington Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) fall conference. Taking place this year in Spokane, Washington, at the historic Davenport Hotel, the conference is slated to host approximately 80 exhibitors.

Kicking off on 9 October, the conference features four days of networking, educational sessions, scholarship events, tours, a golf tournament, and an exhibitor-hosted social. For more information on the event, visit APWA Washington Chapter 2012 Fall Conference. Read more about APWA Fall Conference Exhibitor Registration Opens

Hood River Updates Aging Transmission Main

Posted 12 July 2012  |  Add new comment
The City of Hood River transmission main crosses over several creeks along its 14-mile alignment.

The City of Hood River is located approximately 61 miles east of Portland, Oregon, at the confluence of the Hood River with the Columbia River and within view of its namesake, the snowcapped Mount Hood.

Constructed in 1929, the City’s existing 14-inch steel water supply pipeline experienced numerous failures resulting from corrosion and high-operating pressures and exceeded its useful life. The aging structure was evaluated, and construction documents were prepared for the upgrade of the water supply system. Read more about Hood River Updates Aging Transmission Main

New San Diego Central Library – a Contemporary Classic

Posted 5 July 2012  |  Add new comment
Rendering courtesy of Marc Perrault, Rob Wellington Quigley/ Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc., JV.

The voice of the people was definitely heard when it comes to the dome-shaped design of the new Central Library building currently under construction in downtown San Diego, California. More than a decade ago, the City sought public opinion on design of the new structure and the citizens responded with their wish to see a building representative of a historical theme in the City’s architecture – the dome. The dome-shaped administration building and California Building, both located in Balboa Park, serve as the inspiration for the design of the Central Library building’s dome. Read more about New San Diego Central Library – a Contemporary Classic