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New 7th Street Bridge

Cultural District Bridges New Construction Infrastructure Transportation

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#1 Brian Luenser

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 07:43 AM

I did not even need my optics to see this huge bridge arch under construction. This is one of 12. Looks great so far.

7thStreetBridgeConstruction.jpg


7thStreetBridgeConstructionFB.jpg

http://fortworthtexa...thStreetBridge/


www.fortworthview.com

#2 AndyN

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 08:21 AM

THANK YOU! I've been driving by that erector since they put it up and I couldn't figure out what it was for. I was about to post a pic and ask if anyone knew. I was at Target yesterday, close than ever, but I still couldn't see the arch for the trees.

Are you sure this is for 7th? Looks more like something for the Trinity Uptown project's bridges.
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#3 Thurman52

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 08:21 AM

Thanks Brian, I was going to ask if you had a chance to take photos yet, perfect timing. I saw the equipment and been wanting to drive by to see progress, your angle is far superior to a drive by.

#4 RD Milhollin

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 08:53 AM

Are you sure this is for 7th? Looks more like something for the Trinity Uptown project's bridges.


Here is the fact sheet on the new bridge fro the city's website:

http://fortworthtexa...etFactSheet.pdf

I had not seen this until today, I like the design. I wonder though if cost savings could have been realized by using the same modular components to build the three Trinity Uptown bridges Andy mentioned?

#5 AndyN

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 09:57 AM

Mmm... Thanks for the link. I was unaware that it was going to be a "signature" bridge.
Www.fortwortharchitecture.com

#6 johnfwd

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 10:31 AM

Mmm... Thanks for the link. I was unaware that it was going to be a "signature" bridge.

I'm kinda glad we're going to have a "signature" bridge, because the design reminds me a little of that arch thing in downtown Dallas (which as a Fort Worthian sparked my jealousy, of course).

#7 Jeriat

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 10:47 AM

..... so THAT'S what that is.

7fwPZnE.png

 

8643298391_d47584a085_b.jpg


#8 Doohickie

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 02:13 PM

I just want a bike lane into downtown.
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#9 Joshw

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 03:49 PM

I just want a bike lane into downtown.


This.

#10 ron4Life

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 07:38 PM

Wowzer! me like

#11 mmiller2002

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 08:30 PM

I just saw that today on my way to grapevine, and figured out what it was on the way back.

#12 beverlyb

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Posted 09 August 2012 - 08:36 PM

Very Cool. I am also one of those that has been wondering what that blue thing was north of 7th street. That arch looks awesome!

#13 Ron Payne

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Posted 10 August 2012 - 07:37 AM

I was just sitting here at work watching the screen saver go by (yes, I'm that busy), and noticed that the arches seen in this photo (right center) look awfully familiar! This is a shot taken as we left Seattle harbor on a cruise ship. They appear to be on a dome rather than a bridge - the Seadome?

Posted Image
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#14 downtowndweller

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Posted 12 August 2012 - 10:48 AM

Those are on Century Link Field where the Seahawks play:

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#15 John T Roberts

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Posted 19 August 2012 - 03:06 PM

Here are a couple of shots that I took yesterday of the bridge construction from the streets around it.
Posted Image

Posted Image

#16 RD Milhollin

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Posted 19 August 2012 - 08:51 PM

Here are a couple of shots that I took yesterday of the bridge construction from the streets around it.


Wow, that arch is pretty impressive.

#17 Brian Luenser

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Posted 19 August 2012 - 09:05 PM

I agree. It is impressive. And one of 12 arches.
www.fortworthview.com

#18 ron4Life

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Posted 20 August 2012 - 01:26 PM

I agree. It is impressive. And one of 12 arches.

Wow, that is quite a bit at the past that they are going..

#19 Austin55

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Posted 04 September 2012 - 09:13 PM

A much less exciting picture the bridge erector set from TCC. I like how the hills accent West 7ths "skyline".

Posted Image

#20 ron4Life

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Posted 14 September 2012 - 12:17 AM

Here's some added information about this structure to be Fort Worth City News

#21 Joshw

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 07:58 AM

Anyone know which part of the bridge is the original 1913 part? Or is it under the current concrete?

Also, with 4 lanes and the sidewalk so much larger are we not getting a bike lane? This may have been discussed before, but I seems like we'll have the room....

#22 John T Roberts

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 08:48 AM

The original 1913 portion of the bridge is the very last span on the east end. It is a concrete arch similar to the Paddock Viaduct (Main Street) and the Henderson Street bridge over the Clear Fork. The remainder of the bridge to the west of the original span across the river is from 1953. I thought there were going to be bike lanes on the bridge in addition to the wider sidewalks.

#23 Volare

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 09:27 AM

There are going to be 10' wide bike and pedestrian lanes. They will be physically separated from auto traffic. A massive upgrade to the current very scary bridge to ride across.

#24 Doohickie

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 09:52 AM

I don't find it that scary. Having a rear view mirror helps. When you can see the traffic moving over behind you, it helps.
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#25 Volare

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 01:05 PM

The pinch point when you come to the bridge and the bike lanes go away is the scary part. It's true that a rear view mirror would help you watch as the traffic moves over- or doesn't... :blink:

#26 Joshw

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 03:05 PM

The original 1913 portion of the bridge is the very last span on the east end. It is a concrete arch similar to the Paddock Viaduct (Main Street) and the Henderson Street bridge over the Clear Fork. The remainder of the bridge to the west of the original span across the river is from 1953. I thought there were going to be bike lanes on the bridge in addition to the wider sidewalks.


Ahh, I can see it on googlemaps. Curious that they kept that end for so long, and curious that they didn't just replace it in 1953.

#27 Doohickie

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 03:15 PM

as the traffic moves over- or doesn't... :blink:


I would say that in several years of riding with the mirror, I've only had two or three encounters that were close enough to startle me. Usually it's just to confirm they've seen you. Lately I've started putting my left arm out and down (like a slow or stop signal) and then then waving my hand around. Funny how, when the cars know you've seen them (or when they snap out of it and see you as a person), the start acting right. Once (and it was early on when I first got the mirror) I actually bailed out to the curb as a car passed. It was on Bryant Irvin going over the river northbound.

I do a lot of "vehicular cycling" (riding in the traffic lane), but I take care to avoid certain routes, such as much of Bryant Irvin, Hulen and McCart (although sections are okay, at least during certain times of day).
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#28 John T Roberts

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 03:29 PM

Josh, my guess is that back in 1953, the easternmost section was in good structural condition, and they felt that it wasn't worth the time and the money to remove it. They still needed a bridge at that location and the span across the river would function the same whether there was water beneath it or not. It's unfortunate that the underlying reason the bridge is being demolished and rebuilt is due to the City of Fort Worth not maintaining either section of the bridge properly over the years.

#29 Joshw

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 03:31 PM

Josh, my guess is that back in 1953, the easternmost section was in good structural condition, and they felt that it wasn't worth the time and the money to remove it. They still needed a bridge at that location and the span across the river would function the same whether there was water beneath it or not. It's unfortunate that the underlying reason the bridge is being demolished and rebuilt is due to the City of Fort Worth not maintaining either section of the bridge properly over the years.


Makes sense. The Trinity didn't used to be as wide as it is currently, right?

#30 John T Roberts

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Posted 17 September 2012 - 03:56 PM

Josh, that is correct. Over the years, the Army Corps of Engineers moved, straightened, widened, and deepened both forks of the Trinity River through the center of town.

#31 mmmdan

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Posted 18 September 2012 - 07:04 AM


The original 1913 portion of the bridge is the very last span on the east end. It is a concrete arch similar to the Paddock Viaduct (Main Street) and the Henderson Street bridge over the Clear Fork. The remainder of the bridge to the west of the original span across the river is from 1953. I thought there were going to be bike lanes on the bridge in addition to the wider sidewalks.


Ahh, I can see it on googlemaps. Curious that they kept that end for so long, and curious that they didn't just replace it in 1953.


I love historicaerials.com. Their maps only go back to 1956, but you can still see remnants of where the river originally flowed.
http://www.historica...61555&year=1956

If you follow the river around downtown towards LaGrave Field, it looks like they were not quite done with the widening.

#32 Doohickie

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Posted 18 September 2012 - 07:32 AM

And if you follow it the other way, Trinity Park hadn't been done yet either. I think they did the channeling work near the bridges first, then other parts later. If you go all the way to Benbrook, you can see the lake was only partly full.
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#33 renamerusk

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Posted 18 September 2012 - 09:56 AM

There are going to be 10' wide bike and pedestrian lanes. They will be physically separated from auto traffic. A massive upgrade to the current very scary bridge to ride across.


Who could disagree with separating bikes and pedestrians behind a security barrier from automobile traffic on a bridge? Do drunken drivers, distracted drivers, wrong way drivers, speeding drivers and skills deficient drivers give one pause; I know it does for me.

Yes, a massive and sensible upgrade!

Keep Fort Worth folksy

#34 Brian D

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 10:59 AM

I love historicaerials.com. Their maps only go back to 1956, but you can still see remnants of where the river originally flowed.
http://www.historica...61555&year=1956

If you follow the river around downtown towards LaGrave Field, it looks like they were not quite done with the widening.



Anyone notice on historic aerials in 1956 the southern end of the military base is obscured? Just an observation for the conspiracy theorists! I could spend hours on that site studying the city's development. Very neat.

#35 RD Milhollin

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 11:11 AM

Anyone notice on historic aerials in 1956 the southern end of the military base is obscured? Just an observation for the conspiracy theorists! I could spend hours on that site studying the city's development. Very neat.


I wonder if that is where they kept the wrecked saucers that were brought here from Roswell?

#36 Brian Luenser

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 11:17 AM

Historic Aerials is the very best. Been loving it for years. If you have never purchased from them, you should. You are just purchasing the higher resolution JPEG image to with what you wish. But you also always have access to that image on their site. (the higher res version) It is like the best gift for people. I love to give someone an aerial shot of their neighborhood from 1956 or whatever. I have Kinko's print and I put in a cheap Target frame. As I am thinking, I have not done one for Downtown Fort Worth. Need to do that tonight. (But have seen many aerials of downtown, which I can't say for most places)
www.fortworthview.com

#37 Joshw

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Posted 22 October 2012 - 02:05 PM

How good is the resolution? I'd love to be able to print one poster size....

#38 ron4Life

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Posted 07 November 2012 - 08:44 AM

I heard that in the preparation yard that they've constructed 6 arches so far, very cool.

#39 RD Milhollin

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Posted 24 November 2012 - 02:54 PM

Star-Telegram editorial discusses 7th Street bridge construction; arches being fabricated

http://www.star-tele...rth-noting.html

#40 Thurman52

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Posted 12 January 2013 - 03:33 PM

Construction signs are up on the roadways. Fencing along Forest Park too.

#41 Brian Luenser

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Posted 23 January 2013 - 11:31 PM

Big time construction happening on the 7th Street Bridge.  Took this shot running to Target tonight.    Digging some VERY deep holes.  Another 2 feet and they are in Hell.    I was just noticing this morning that the bridge arches seem to be thru cooking.  Looks like they have enough, though I have not counted them.  Also, they are removing the old bridge railing in places.

 

Bridge_zpsd54e4981.jpg


www.fortworthview.com

#42 Doohickie

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 11:23 AM

As soon as the Stock Show is over, they start closing lanes, right?


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#43 Joshw

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 04:03 PM

If we thought 7th street was hell now...wait until that bridge is gone.



#44 John T Roberts

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 08:49 PM

From what I have been told, they do start closing lanes after the Stock Show and then later in the year, the whole thing is shut down until the new bridge is complete.

#45 Austin55

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 10:11 PM

We haven't really had any closeups of the arches in the current location.8413398740_4126499d58_b.jpg
DSC_0263 by Micro55, on Flickr
 
Can't wait to see how they move these things.


#46 Jeriat

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Posted 25 January 2013 - 12:07 AM

We haven't really had any closeups of the arches in the current location

 

Aw man, really? Could have sworn I had at least one from a few months ago. 

Well, here's one, anyway. 

 

46255_4339484618750_2056120938_n.jpg


7fwPZnE.png

 

8643298391_d47584a085_b.jpg


#47 Owen

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Posted 25 January 2013 - 12:51 AM

Does anyone know if any consideration has been paid to making the new bridge bat-friendly?



#48 johnfwd

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Posted 25 January 2013 - 08:07 AM

Funny, from a distance the arches look like the humps of the Loch Ness monster.  Seriously, why doesn't someone ship one of these photo shots to a national news outlet?  It's not everyday you see parts of an arched bridge lying around before being put together.  If this is the world's first pre-cast bridge, then Fort Worth needs to show off such prestige?



#49 RD Milhollin

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Posted 25 January 2013 - 10:11 AM

Does anyone know if any consideration has been paid to making the new bridge bat-friendly?

 

Good question, I know the TxDOT approved a design modeled after the Austin Congress Street bridge for the three new TRV bridges, but I am not sure about 7th Street. The difference between bat-friendly and not is the presence of very narrow spaces between concrete beams or supports. I think the Austin bridge was rebuilt at some point and additional supports were installed, and the resulting configuration just happened to be what the bats were looking for; sort of an accident. Duplicating that design should make the local bridges here attractive to bats as well. The additional wet surface area the TRV is going to bring to Near-Northside will bring a huge increase in flying insect life (including mosquitos, think "West Trinity Virus" so bats would serve a welcome role in mitigating those pests. 



#50 Thurman52

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 08:39 PM

Good story on ch 8.

http://www.wfaa.com/...-189275721.html





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