Julie Happy, Division Communication Manager of Business and Developer Services, No Phone Number Available
Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 12:18 p.m.
When we talk about all the efforts to connect, grow and revitalize the University District, none will likely serve as a more iconic project than the University District Gateway Bridge. Along with that project, The City is also planning to develop and beautify the future south bridge landing.
The vision for the area around the south bridge landing is that of a vibrant “live/work/play” environment. The goal is to design and build the public infrastructure there, which will include streets, pedestrian corridors, streetscape and urban landscape, sanitary and storm sewers, and potable water.
Plans for the south bridge landing are in keeping with the University District Gateway Bridge project – and with the vision to boost the University District as a whole. The City is putting a lot of work into this area because it's one with so much potential. Once completed, the pedestrian-bicycle bridge over the BNSF corridor will establish a fundamental north-south connection from the University District campus to the Sprague area and medical district on the lower South Hill. The bridge will also be a key component to support future development in the Sprague area, connecting it with the Riverpoint Campus. Building a vibrant, mixed-use area around the south landing will be a big first step toward developing the area further once the bridge is up.
As far as plans for the bridge itself, construction is still projected to start in 2017 but will be moved forward to 2016 if funds are available sooner. The entire project is estimated to cost around $12 million.
