Piedmont Park Bridge Replacement
Summary
This project replaced a pedestrian foot bridge over Bushy Dell Creek in the southwest portion of Piedmont Park, near the PUSD softball field.
The bridge was first identified as deficient and in need of replacement in 2015. In November 2022, the City Council allocated funding for the project from State of California Proposition 68 grant funds.
Project Detail
Location: Piedmont Park, near the PUSD softball field
Status: Complete
Background
The existing bridge in this location was over 30 years old and had required substantial repair twice in the past 5 years.
In 2019, holes in the wood decking were temporarily patched with plywood. In early 2023, the protective railings collapsed due to rotten wood. Temporary railings were constructed as an interim safety measure and remain in place today. A structural engineer’s review found that the existing bridge foundations do not comply with modern building codes.
This project proposes to replace the ailing bridge with a long-term durable bridge in the same alignment, composed of a weathered steel frame with pressure-treated wood decking. The replacement bridge will be pre-fabricated off-site and craned into the park, minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment and the sensitive ecosystem of Bushy Dell Creek. The area around the bridge was closed for 4-6 weeks in advance of installation, while footings for the new bridge are constructed.
Contact