Project Details
Cornerstone Alliance and Whirlpool Corporation secured Michigan Strategic Fund grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Paw Paw River — connecting trails and development parcels in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Abonmarche completed scoping documents, construction documents, bidding and construction administration services. U.S. Steel tariffs at the time resulted in delays in the bridge fabrication process. However, the bridge was completed within the budget and prior to the close of the construction season.
The bridge consisted of a 12′ wide by 210′ long prefabricated truss structure with concrete deck over the Paw Paw River. The bridge was designed with minimum clearance dimensions for small watercraft resulting in bridge bottom cord elevations that were up to 6 feet above the existing ground. To meet ADA requirements, boardwalks were constructed on each bridge approach. Over 700′ of concrete path was constructed to connect each end to existing pedestrian trails and facilities. The bridge required permitting through MDEQ & USACE and approvals from the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Boardwalks
- Pedestrian Bridge
- Intergovernmental Cooperation
- Concrete Multi-Use Path
- ADA Requirements
- Grant Funding
- State/Federal Permitting
- Economic Enhancement
ADDITIONAL INFO:
- https://cstonealliance.org/index.php/about-us/news-3/160-benton-harbor-s-new-pedestrian-bridge-open-to-the-public – Cornerstone Alliance – n.d.
- https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/new-pedestrian-bridge-connecting-sj-bh-ready-to-be-a-true-game-changer/ – Moody on the Market – October 26, 2018