Green Bridge: Solution To Outdated, Historical Bridges

While it is true that rail and air are important parts of our transportation system, cars, buses, and trucks remain the mode of travel many of us need daily. In time as we build out and expand our transportation system, it is critical to replace the outdated and undersized parts.

Existing I-5 bridges are old, and thus â€˜historicâ€™, but they are unattractive.

The Oregon/Washington I-5 Freeway Bridge is clearly the single worst element in the Oregon/Washington region’s transportation blood and great example of outdated, historical bridge which needs some touch from the future. Good companies and valuable people are crippled if key portions of their day are spent in slowed or stopped traffic.

Furthermore, it is quite harmful to business effectiveness and cultural mental health to have permanent guaranteed delay built into the system.

Humans are capable of designing and building a 21st century bridge, so why rebuild the bridges and their preâ€“fifties technology. Would you re-make your grandma’s ice box, or get a state-of-the-art refrigerator? The two existing I-5 bridges are old, and thus â€˜historicâ€™, but they are unattractive. While it is true that ‘good looks’ are not standard for historic character, we cannot keep every old thing, without turning this urban landscape into an un-functional lifeless museum.

The design of the I-5 Columbia Crossing Bridge must meet all immediate needs, and it must look to the future. There is a need to make the finest multi-modal bridge we can.

Great artist and architect, Bill Badrick, has some awesome concept ideas for bridge of the future.

This bridge would be amazing. It would draw visitors from around the world, and be an unparalleled recreation opportunity for those in the Portland/Vancouver area.

First, the park roof, like the covered bridge roof / walls, will protect everyone on the roadway from the rugged winter storms.

Second, the structural support elements of the bridge and the protective paint will not be exposed to wear and tear. This will extend the bridge’s critical maintenance- free life well into the future.

Concept drawing of a proposal for a new Washington/Oregon greenway bridge

Third, the Park-Roof will allow the natural ‘democratic’ travel of native animals from state to state.

Finally, a one-of-a-kind park, will draw cultural visitors and well – heeled tourists from around the world. This Park-Roofed Multi-Modal Bridge can be regional symbol, Green- Golden Gate Bridge.