Thurston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Ithaca, New York
Prepared by Hannah Owensby, UNC Highway Safety Research Center
Problem
The Thurston Avenue Bridge serves as the only direct route for vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic traveling between the main residence halls and the central academic campus of Cornell University. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic counts conducted in 2002 revealed that 37 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists traveled across the bridge every 15 minutes during peak hours. This volume of bicyclists was expected to double in the next 30 years.
The Thurston Avenue Bridge under construction in 2006.
Photo by Joe Wilensky.
Background
Saving the existing historic steel box arches on the Thurston Avenue Bridge was necessary when considering reconstruction. The City of Ithaca was able to do this by adding two new induction bent tubular steel arches at the fascias that retained the view of the existing arches.
Countermeasures
Design for the bridge rehabilitation began in 2001, and in March 2006 construction began. The rehabilitation widened each sidewalk by 2.5 feet and provided two new five-foot bicycle lanes. Other improvements of the bridge included:
- New bridge railings.
- Overlooks at each sidewalks for viewing the adjacent Beebe Lake and Falls and the Fall Creek gorge.
- New handicap ramps and detectable warnings via marked crossings, signage, and signs at approaches for ADA accommodation.
- Improved visibility, directionality, and movement through intersection at south approach with new ramp, pedestrian island, and colored concrete crosswalks.
- New LED lighting in top of rail of bridge railing to light sidewalks across the bridge.
The rehabilitated and widened Thurston Avenue Bridge.
Photo by Laura Kozlowski.
Evaluation and Results
The Thurston Avenue Bridge reopened in October 2007. Although crash or conflict data are not available, the addition of bicycle lanes likely improved safety for bicyclists by separating them from motor vehicle traffic. The improved lighting also improved the visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists. Wider sidewalks now allow students, staff, and visitors to more fully enjoy views of Fall Creek Gorge on the overlook areas.
Costs
This project cost $8.3 million for construction, $1.2 million for design and $850,000 for construction administration.
Contact
William J. Gary, P.E.
Superintendent of Public Works
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY
(607) 274-6530
