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Project Profile

SIU Carbondale Campus Lake Pedestrian Bridges 

Challenge

Campus Lake of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) is a 43-acre spring-fed lake set amongst woodlands. The lake area is popular for students walking across campus to get to class, and is also the site of many campus-wide events like the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Doc Spackman Memorial Triathlon, Moonlight Canoeing, and fundraising and awareness walks. As part of a lake improvement program in 2014, the university sought to better utilize this functional lake through the construction of an attractive, durable pedestrian bridge. Designers from White & Borgognoni wanted to provide students and faculty with a pathway across the lake where they could take in the beauty of the nature around them.

Solution

White & Borgognoni Architects specified a unique layout of winding PermaTrak pedestrian bridges spanning 293 linear feet. The curved design and low profile stainless steel cable strand railing add to the university’s aesthetic appeal, and provide students with an attractive option for crossing the lake. The bridge’s durability and ability to handle vehicular loading up to 10,000 lbs. make it a solution that will hold up to the seasons, heavy foot traffic, and usage for various campus events.

Location: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Contractor: Evrard-Strang Construction

Technical Description

Boardwalk Length(s): 293 ft.
Tread Width(s): 10 ft.
Color: Melbourne Tan
Texture: Sandblast
Installation Date: August 2014