Bear Canyon Arroyo Bicycle / Pedestrian Bridge & "Any Angle Light"

Hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) and lighting give language to an alternative transportation method that doesnt just span I-25, but also crosses space and time. Illumination conducts a dialogue between multiple voices in the landscape; six lanes of whizzing traffic, a fragment of arroyo still teeming with life and ancient memory, the grand spectacle of mountain sky and the bridges engineered bones of HDG metal and mesh.

The life-cycle cost made HDG the clear winner.

The importance of creating a lasting and enduring pathway for cyclists and pedestrians that fits into the natural landscape was paramount in Albuquerques decision to design with hot-dip galvanizing. The passage is one of the final elements that allow cyclists, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the inner city greenbelt system developed within the Greater Albuquerque metropolitan area.

The structure was designed to follow and model the contours of the ancient arroyo known as Bear Canyon that flowed through the area before urbanization. The designers and engineers have allowed the route to mimic the natural flow pattern of the arroyo using galvanized steel for strength, durability, and sustainability lasting more than 75 years before any maintenance will be necessary. The $3.8 million project was funded by a local 25 cent transportation tax, so while initial cost was relevant, the life-cycle cost made HDG the clear winner.

The galvanizing process required special attention to assure the curved braces suffered no distortion and careful inspection was done to make sure the surface was smooth and clean to meet ADA requirements, making the bridge accessible to all individuals. The 148-foot span of exposed HDG is highly visible to the public. Using HDG to magnify the beautiful surroundings makes the bridge a model for pedestrian transportation construction. Known as Any Angled Light, the project was the winning entry in the City of Albuquerque Public Art Program.

The structure stands as a gateway linking the eastern greenbelt to the west segregating the slower moving pedestrians and cyclist from the busy highways and byways of the city. The appearance of HDG steel during the day blends seamlessly into the high skies of Albuquerque. At night, Bear Canyon Bridge transforms itself as the elephant grey complexion is illuminated with 450 LED colored lights strategically placed, bringing the bridge to life as an architectural landmark resembling a flowing arroyo. The energy-efficient lighting on the galvanized bridge suggests a dream of water and Albuquerques visionary urban planning.