Rainbow Viaduct aka Richard Arrington Boulevard bridge replacement (Birmingham, Southside: house, bill)

[jero23]

https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/i...in_downto.html

A historic bridge that connects downtown Birmingham to Southside will be replaced soon.

The 21st Street (Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard) viaduct between 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South and over the Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroad is at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced, according to the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits.

The bridge, also called the Rainbow Viaduct, is currently load restricted and signed "No Trucks," according to the department.

It's about time this bridge was replaced. This 100-year old bridge is nearly unusable. Also I heard there will be a series of public engagement meetings to be head collaboration with the placemaking project under the new I-20/59 bridges in Downtown. These meetings will occur either in June and/or July.

[bhamguy]

Is this going to be an entire replacement or just a patchwork of a job? If it is a complete remake, I hope that it could have some pretty striking aesthetics with lights or some overhead attention. I understand that there may not be a budget for too much exciting.

[jero23]

Originally Posted by bhamguy

Is this going to be an entire replacement or just a patchwork of a job? If it is a complete remake, I hope that it could have some pretty striking aesthetics with lights or some overhead attention. I understand that there may not be a budget for too much exciting.

It's going to be complete replacement with the replacement bridge being designed similarly to the historic designated structure. The current facility is designated with the National Historic Register, so it will have to meet the criteria to maintain its designation.

[bhamguy]

Originally Posted by jero23

It's going to be complete replacement with the replacement bridge being designed similarly to the historic designated structure. The current facility is designated with the National Historic Register, so it will have to meet the criteria to maintain its designation.

Thanks. Hopefully, it can have something similar to the Alexandre III (in Paris) treatment, at night...soft lighting for a classy feel.

[Justin Scott]

Originally Posted by jero23

https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/i...in_downto.html



It's about time this bridge was replaced. This 100-year old bridge is nearly unusable. Also I heard there will be a series of public engagement meetings to be head collaboration with the placemaking project under the new I-20/59 bridges in Downtown. These meetings will occur either in June and/or July.

What exactly do you mean by "place making project"? What all does that entail?

[jero23]

Originally Posted by Justin Scott

What exactly do you mean by "place making project"? What all does that entail?

The place making project will be doing a concept and design of how to connect the portion of Downtown south of I-20/59 to the portion north of the I-20/59 replacement bridges.

[cherokee48]

Originally Posted by jero23

The place making project will be doing a concept and design of how to connect the portion of Downtown south of I-20/59 to the portion north of the I-20/59 replacement bridges.

Sounds interesting. I have always heard complaints about the northern part of the city center (BJCC, Uptown, Fountain Heights, Norwood) being sort of cut off from the rest of downtown. It does feel a bit apart so this could be a fresh approach.

[jero23]

https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingh...ace-under.html

Three sessions – 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. – will be held on July 17 at the Boutwell Municipal Auditorium.

Three more sessions – during those same times – will be held on July 24 at the Birmingham CrossPlex – Bill Harris Arena.

The meetings have been announced in ads through some print media outlets, according to ALDOT East Central Region Public Information Officer Linda Crockett. Those ads state the meetings will consist of a brief presentation, followed by an open house/informal discussion with representatives from ALDOT, the city of Birmingham and the design consultants.

Here are the meetings scheduled for public input on the future of the spaces below the new I-20/59 bridges.

[MinivanDriver]

Well, as long as they don't rename it the Rainbow Bridge, we'll be good. Don't want five zillion pet owners bringing their cats and dogs there to be euthanized.

[jero23]

https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tho...ges/1293292407

Nearly 4,000 people have signed an online petition pushing for this proposed skate park under the proposed I-20/59 replacement bridges.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/413/...lic-skatepark/

ALDOT will host three (3) public open house sessions – 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. – will be held on July 17 at the Boutwell Auditorium in Downtown Birmingham.

Three (3) more public open house sessions – 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m, and 5 to 7 p.m. – will be held on July 24 at the Birmingham CrossPlex – Bill Harris Arena in Five Points West Ensley.

This is huge because residents are ushering for a major change and evolution of the open space and park options within the City.