The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Mayor G.T. Bynum announced today that the Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge Selection Committee has narrowed down the field to two final bridge concepts. Please watch and share a video featuring Mayor Bynum introducing the finalists, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDt4p803MFM
During the public comment period, the City received more than 14,000 comments about core components a bridge must have to feel welcoming, safe, and comfortable for users . The Selection Committee reviewed the comments and two bridge designs were ultimately selected to move to the next process.
Both bridge finalists will have 30 days to make adjustments to their concepts based on the public feedback received. For instance, shade components, lighting, seating and creating a comfortable experience for pedestrians and bicyclists were at the top of the list for users.
Each finalist will also work with an engineering firm to make sure their designs meet the budget. At the end of the 30 days, the final designs will be reviewed by the Committee and a final design will be announced to the public in June.
“We learned a great deal from the public process and wanted to have the opportunity to incorporate the public’s wishes into the final designs,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Although we originally planned to announce a final bridge design today, the point of this entire exercise is to get a bridge that will represent Tulsa for the next 100 years. These final 30 days will allow us to make a more responsible and informed final decision.”
On March 20, the City started a public process seeking conceptual bridge designs for Tulsa’s next Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge. The City received 234 responses from individuals across the country and four concepts were taken to the public for feedback. Two finalists remain today.
Just as the first bridge across the Arkansas River in 1917 marked “where east meets west,” the new pedestrian bridge will connect The Gathering Place to west Tulsa’s neighborhoods and trails, serving as a gateway to the greatest gift of private parkland in America’s history. The bridge will primarily be funded through the Vision Tulsa program with a total budget of $24.5 million.
For more information about the Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge finalists, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/vision
