CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Spring Creek Pedestrian Bridge Bridge
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The Vision
Located east of the Cascade Range in northern Washington, the Town of Winthrop had been planning for a new pedestrian bridge for the past 15 years to eliminate a dangerous gap in pedestrian access between the primary tourist shopping area and the expanding “south end” of businesses and residential areas. Adopting a successful and distinctive western architectural theme in 1972, Winthrop officials wanted to stay true to that image while solving for this access problem. An active outdoor recreation area, the bridge would provide a safe route for pedestrians, skiers and cyclists from the south end of downtown to the center of town twelve months of the year. The bridge would also mark the beginning of the Susie Stephens Trail, and become a landmark for generations in the future. |
The RealityAfter obtaining funding through a combination of federal, state and local sources in 2008, Winthrop officials sought a project management firm to help fulfill the dream of an iconic, western-theme span over the Methow River. Based on its extensive design-build management portfolio, OAC was retained by the Town of Winthrop to guide the entire project In 2009 following a rigorous design-build competition led by OAC project managers, Sahale Construction Company of Seattle was awarded the contract based on a cable-stayed concept using self-weathering steel and late 19th century period detailing. Detailed design work began immediately including close review of all details, capacity and integration of the project into the extensive Methow Valley trail system. Shortly after award however, health problems and the eventual passing of Sahale’s president put the project in jeopardy while OAC managers and Winthrop officials considered their options. After careful consideration, OAC managers recommended the project be re-advertised for design-build competition. Mowat Construction with Otak were eventually awarded the contract and began detailed design, fabrication and planning on an expedited schedule timed to coincide with changing river levels and winter weather. The Mowat-Otak team worked hard to keep the schedule on track and laid the foundations in May of 2011 prior to expected heavy spring runoff. Mowat’s crew continued to erect the steel and place the precast concrete decking and wood handrails completing the project before the winter snowfall in November. The bridge was officially opened on November 26, 2011 amid local fanfare, speeches and the site of spawning salmon in the Methow River. The Challenges
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