Grand Bridge

A 257-foot-long asymmetrical weathering steel truss (from Thompson Metal Fab, Vancouver, Wash.) spans from the hillside to a vertical concrete tower. Stephen Van Dyck, partner at LMN Architects, says metal was chosen for its durability, maintenance and design potential. “As a municipal facility, the bridge needed to withstand the considerable wear and tear of public facilities, but simultaneously inspire the community. The structure of the bridge was fabricated from weathering steel, minimizing its long-term maintenance and recalling the weathered look of many of the region’s steel railroad truss bridges.”

Wrapping around and running through the truss, a shining

lacey guardrail (from Mt. Norway Fabrication, Washougal, Wash.) also serves as the bridge’s de-facto wayfinding system, contrasting the raw character of the rusted truss with its silvery aluminum panels. The guardrail’s perforations are inspired by the surrounding natural environment. The perforations enhance reflectivity of the artificial lighting, improving the performance of the integrated linear lights (from New York City-based Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design) at the top of the rail while minimizing glare and light pollution. Each aluminum panel is unique, responding to the bridge’s geometry, views beyond and varying guardrail requirements.

“For the guardrail, LMN’s work with digital design and fabrication led us to use aluminum plate and water-jet technology to craft that system,” Van Dyck says. Since its completion, the Grand Avenue Park Bridge has become a popular destination, enhancing Everett’s pedestrian life and its growing mixed-use waterfront district.