Pedestrian Bridge

[tulsabug]

They used weathering steel. That's why there was no money left over for amenities.

Well then - I stand corrected. That is gonna streak the crap out of the support pillars.

[SXSW]

Well then - I stand corrected. That is gonna streak the crap out of the support pillars.

It shouldn't come off if it's coated correctly.  It will require annual maintenance and periodic recoating though.  Evidently the increased budget also includes the promised lighting and upgraded railings (not sure if that means aluminum or glass)

[Red Arrow]

It shouldn't come off if it's coated correctly.  It will require annual maintenance and periodic recoating though.  Evidently the increased budget also includes the promised lighting and upgraded railings (not sure if that means aluminum or glass)

Weathering steel:
https://usbridge.com/what-is-weathering-steel/

[LandArchPoke]

Weathering steel:
https://usbridge.com/what-is-weathering-steel/

Weathering or corten is about 2x the cost of regular steel. Imagine what kind of bridge we could have had if they just used regular steel instead. Would have at least gave back $5 million or more I bet that could have gone to shade, wider bridge deck, seating, etc. that we were all told they couldn't afford.

[Red Arrow]

Weathering or corten is about 2x the cost of regular steel. Imagine what kind of bridge we could have had if they just used regular steel instead. Would have at least gave back $5 million or more I bet that could have gone to shade, wider bridge deck, seating, etc. that we were all told they couldn't afford.

While I agree with your thought here,  I wonder if "we" could afford to maintain a bridge made of regular steel.

[Red Arrow]

I kind of remember comments that weathering steel was used for the bridges at the 169/Creek interchange near 91st St.  Anybody know for certain?

[tulsabug]

Interesting note about weathered steel - "Cor-ten can be challenging and even damaging to surrounding areas if used improperly. Rust bleeding or runoff from the steel surface can stain surrounding paint, stucco, stone or concrete. Avoid using this material where staining can be a problem. Also, this material is sensitive to humid climates and it is possible that in these areas the protective patina may not form properly, thus allowing the steel to continue to corrode." Seems like a great choice for a bridge above a river in a humid city that is less than stellar at regular infrastructure maintenance. Maybe we should have just built a SkyRide over the river?

[Red Arrow]

Maybe we should have just built a SkyRide over the river?

A zip line would be fun.  It would take a tall tower though.

A tall tower on both ends would allow a return trip. 

[SXSW]

There is a newer railroad bridge in over I-235 just south of I-44 in OKC that is also weathering steel.  It's been there a couple years not sure if it has significantly changed in appearance since they first installed it.

[SXSW]

Aerial of the coffer dam showing the construction of the bridge and dam



This will be a killer view once the dam, bridge and river bank improvements are finished along the east bank (and the chain link fence comes down!)

[swake]

Great shots

[Arkansas Rio Gator]

Just about anyone who wants to better understand what officials have done should read this.

https://pedbridge.com/essential-bridge-information-handout/

(By the way, this is not meant as an attack on the Gateway bridge itself. It is not that poor bridge's fault that it is being built upon such a dishonest foundation...)

Happy Thanksgiving!

[heironymouspasparagus]

No way are they permanent. It's just a bunch of scrap angle iron and some pieces of flat steel probably cut with a metal brake that are put in place for support during transport. I'm assuming they will remove the temp supports, fill holes, and coat the remaining elements when in place since unless they're shooting for rust streaks going down the foundations which is probably a little too steampunk for the masses.

Also - all grades of steel rust. You have to get into an allow like stainless steel to get any kind of corrosion resistance without some sort of coating being added (like a powdercoat). I seriously doubt they used weathering steel on this since the budget was already shot. Hopefully they'll budget some money to do a yearly repaint or at least touch-up of the bridge.

Looks like CoreTen steel where the rust is.  The angles are not or they would also be rusted by now - takes just a few weeks to get weathered.  And the rust IS the finish!  (Just like the 'Brown Bess' muskets from the Revolutionary War.)   With CoreTen, it is not supposed to streak after some short  time.

I am very much wanting to use that stuff on my barn roof, but it is SO gawd awful expensive!   Looks great, though, along with the old barn wood siding!   Now all I need is to get someone who can paint "Meramec Caverns" billboard signs on the side!   And "See Rock City"!   The Burma Shave signs I will take care of myself...I know people with Cricuts!



Edit; just saw your note about streaking steel... I kinda think that is a disclaimer "just in case".  I had seen a couple of barns that had it on the roof and neither had any streaking.  They got more from rusty nails and screws in the siding.

[brettakins]

[SXSW]

Awesome shot, I think this will really be an iconic view of our city with the skyline, river and two arched bridges.  Now just need a few more new residential highrises in Riverview