The Campus Square Bridge is a controversial project because it demonstrates the manner in which the national government uses infrastructure as a political tool. It is thus highly questionable whether grade separation is the best solution for pedestrian safety at this particular intersection. A previous architect had proposed a perfectly circular bridge for the site, which was rejected due to insurmountable costs and community objections. Local Studio were brought on as consultants to develop a new design.
The design took various iterations, but the eventual concept revolves around two key ideas. Firstly, to create incredibly wide and gradual pedestrian transitions from sidewalk to bridge deck so that crossing the bridge is logical and comfortable for pedestrians; and secondly, to create a piece of infrastructure that supports future development on flanking sites so as to allow for lobby access off the bridge deck, much like the New York high line.
There is a very good chance that the bridge will not be built.
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