Urban Design Guidelines - Valley Metro

Page 24BRIDGES AND WALLSThe Arizona Department of Transportationhas done much in this region toraise the bar of infrastructure projectsthrough inclusion of artists within thedesign process of projects such as theHohokam Expressway or the Pima 101Freeway. As Valley Connections constructsthis transportation system thatwill pass over canals, lakes, and freeways,it is important to continue thisdesign tradition.A new bridge will be necessary to conveythe LRT system across Town Lake inTempe. This bridge will be dedicated tothe LRT system only, and will be locatedbetween the existing vehicular bridgesand railroad trestle in close proximity tothe railroad trestle. Other bridgesrequire retrofitting to serve the LRT system.Walls include retaining walls and freestandingwalls used anywhere withinthe projects. Retaining walls are usedfor retaining fill and/or cut areas of thetrackway. Freestanding walls can beused to visually screen project featuresfrom other public or neighborhood uses,or to provide noise buffering.These forms can enhance our regionalidentity by suggesting that this is a communitythat takes pride in place. To continuethis value-added approach todesign, it is recommended that artistswork hand in hand with engineers todesign this system's built identity.Urban Design PerformanceCriteriaBridges∆ Explore a rhythm of structural elements(piers, beams, trusses, etc.)that is complementary to andrespects the rhythm of the structuralelements/ members on nearby existingstructures.∆ Explore ways for the art program orcreative design elements to addcommunity ownership.∆ Site OCS poles along the bridges ina rhythm that is visually pleasingand is complementary to the rhythmof other structural elements, while atthe same time meeting all engineeringrequirements.∆ Ensure that designs do not createany hazards, roosting areas, unwantedaccess, or negatively impact naturalwildlife.∆ Use materials, colors, and designsthat support the values and designintegrities of the stations, maintenancefacility, and other project features.∆ Take extra precautions to assure thatpedestrians cross bridges only indesignated locations.∆ Review current maintenance programson existing bridges and combinethat with LRT maintenancepractices to ensure that bridges areeasy to maintain.∆ Ensure that security fences supportthe design goals of the system identity.∆ Create community and value-baseddesign solutions rather than baselineload-bearing solutions to identifythe LRT system.∆ All designs should be reviewed toconfirm that they will not attractundesirable use.Additional Town Lake Bridge criteria∆ Ensure that design of the LRT bridgeand touchdowns add value to theRio Salado Park. Explore opportunitiesto provide infrastructure forshade structures, rest rooms, storageareas, and landscaping.∆ Bridge lighting on the two existingMill Avenue Bridges are a point ofcommunity pride. Strive to make