Lowry Bridge is history, but parts live on at Hiawatha Public Works
11/01/2009
People across Minnesota watched the Lowry Avenue Bridge implode a few months ago. But a signature part of the old bridge is finding new life. The City is now installing sections of the well-known Lowry Avenue Bridge decking as fencing material around its new Hiawatha Public Works Facility. The reuse of the bridge deck is just one way the Hiawatha Facility is setting new standards for sustainability in City of Minneapolis projects.
Lowry Avenue Bridge users may remember the particular feeling and sound of driving over these textured panels. The 150 8x10-foot steel deck sections weigh 1,100 pounds each and are being anchored with steel and concrete posts. The existing rust patina will remain to match the architect's industrial aesthetic of the facility. An installation of public art created from the decking will take place later in the facility project, at 26th Street and Hiawatha Avenue.
Hennepin County is replacing the Lowry Avenue Bridge and donated the decking panels intact in order to preserve their historic character. And preserving existing materials means conserving resources and saving money. A webcam posts live shots of the site at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/publicworks/HiawathaFacility_home.asp.