Marlene Feist

Saving the Historic Arches

Marlene Feist, Public Works Director of Strategic Development, 509.625.6505


Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 12:22 p.m.

Saving the Historic Arches

Just because we have to replace a 100-year-old bridge doesn’t mean we can’t retain a piece of its historic character.

The design for the replacement of the Post Street Bridge in downtown Spokane includes plans to save the bridge’s notable concrete arches. The arches will be cleaned and sealed and incorporated into the new concrete bridge design. A rendering depicting the overall look of the bridge was released this week.

While the structure type has been determined, the City will need the help of citizens to make additional decisions about the bridge. Later this summer, citizens will be asked to provide feedback on surface amenities and treatments for the bridge. We’ll also talk to nearby property and business owners about things like construction scheduling and detours.

The City is using an alternative construction delivery method to replace the Post Street Bridge, called Progressive Design Build. The approach replaces the traditional design-bid-build process used for most government public works projects.  The process allows the City to select a team based on qualifications and then participate actively in a step-by-step design process. The approach allows for greater flexibility to reach a design for a more affordable price.

Last month, the City award the progressive design build contract to a team made up of Kiewit Corp. and KPFF Consulting Engineers.

The 333-foot-long Post Street Bridge was built in 1917 and widened in 1937. It is a reinforced concrete open spandrel deck arch bridge.  The bridge carries a critical 54-inch sewer line.

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