170 replies to this topic

[jcaruth]

The Big Dam Bridge is lined with LED lights controlled by computer.  The lights can be programmed to change color.  They plan on having it themed for Christmas, 4th of July, etc...

[theman]

mcheiss, on Oct 2 2006, 09:41 AM, said:

I like keeping the bridges in the most original way colors as possible and preserving them to their fullest.

Yet, I think it would be cool at night to have huge light lamps pointed at the bridges to turn them different colors, so you would get the best of both worlds during the entire day.

I agree with you and the huge light lamps are a great idea.  There are so many things you can do with the different colors to celebrate different occasions.

Thanks to everyone who provided the excellent examples.

Edited by theman, 02 October 2006 - 10:37 PM.

[mcheiss]

^
Congrats theman on 100 posts!!

[theman]

mcheiss, on Oct 2 2006, 11:44 PM, said:

^
Congrats theman on 100 posts!!

Thanks.  I didn't notice that was my 100 post

[Cru Jones]

One month later. Anyone heard anything new on the bridge project?

[skirby]

Cru Jones, on Nov 3 2006, 10:46 AM, said:

One month later. Anyone heard anything new on the bridge project?

From the Pulaski County Purchasing Department: "Pulaski County, Arkansas Bridge Facility Board will receive sealed bids on a General Contract for the Junction Bridge Pedestrian Conversion.  The scope of work consists of converting the existing Junction Railroad Bridge to a Pedestrian Bridge in order to provide a link between Little Rock and North Little Rock and connect the two cities’ bicycle trails. " Bids will be opened on  Nov. 14, 2006.

[Aporkalypse]

skirby, on Nov 3 2006, 10:33 AM, said:

From the Pulaski County Purchasing Department: "Pulaski County, Arkansas Bridge Facility Board will receive sealed bids on a General Contract for the Junction Bridge Pedestrian Conversion.  The scope of work consists of converting the existing Junction Railroad Bridge to a Pedestrian Bridge in order to provide a link between Little Rock and North Little Rock and connect the two cities’ bicycle trails. " Bids will be opened on  Nov. 14, 2006.

I also remember there was some debate about funding a couple of months ago and as it turned out there were no significant budget cuts to the project from federal funding as had been thought, which allowed the bidding process to begin.

I'd like to hear a bit more about what the exact plans are for the bridge.

[turboturtle]

Aporkalypse, on Nov 3 2006, 11:52 AM, said:

I'd like to hear a bit more about what the exact plans are for the bridge.

http://www.co.pulask...s/jbridge1.html

[skirby]

Today is the deadline for bids. Will they come in under or will they come in over budget?

[turboturtle]

skirby, on Nov 14 2006, 02:43 PM, said:

Today is the deadline for bids. Will they come in under or will they come in over budget?

over

just guessing...

[skirby]

skirby, on Nov 14 2006, 02:43 PM, said:

Today is the deadline for bids. Will they come in under or will they come in over budget?

For reasons yet unknown the bid opening was postponed until Jan. 28th.

[skirby]

skirby, on Nov 15 2006, 10:51 PM, said:

For reasons yet unknown the bid opening was postponed until Jan. 28th.

They opened the one and only bid yesterday. It was for $14.3 million, about 8 million over budget. That is over twice the expected cost. The Big Dam Bridge cost $12.5 million to construct. From what I saw of the plans what cost so much?

[Aporkalypse]

skirby, on Nov 30 2006, 10:51 AM, said:

They opened the one and only bid yesterday. It was for $14.3 million, about 8 million over budget. That is over twice the expected cost. The Big Dam Bridge cost $12.5 million to construct. From what I saw of the plans what cost so much?

Is it the elevators to get people up to the elevated span in the middle?

I bet getting this thing compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act was a nightmare.

[Aporkalypse]

Genuinely disparaging article in the ADG this morning.  Perhaps part of the problem was the glass elevators, though I think the silliest idea was the widened dining platform at the top of the span.

Sounds like it's back to ground zero.

I'd prefer to see the whole thing start over from scratch and focus on being a functional bridge and being aesthetically pleasing with lighting at night.  Surely they can accomplish that for $8 mil.

[skirby]

Aporkalypse, on Dec 1 2006, 04:36 PM, said:

Genuinely disparaging article in the ADG this morning.  Perhaps part of the problem was the glass elevators, though I think the silliest idea was the widened dining platform at the top of the span.

Sounds like it's back to ground zero.

I'd prefer to see the whole thing start over from scratch and focus on being a functional bridge and being aesthetically pleasing with lighting at night.  Surely they can accomplish that for $8 mil.

I agree with you about the dining platform.  The top section of the South tower facing the River Market would make a great location for a video billboard. I think the main thing is to find a way to get it open for public use. If at a later time additional enhancements are needed then they could be added.

[Aporkalypse]

skirby, on Dec 2 2006, 12:06 AM, said:

I agree with you about the dining platform.  The top section of the South tower facing the River Market would make a great location for a video billboard. I think the main thing is to find a way to get it open for public use. If at a later time additional enhancements are needed then they could be added.

I agree about the video board.  Perhaps advertising revenue could completely fund that.

[skirby]

The Junction Bridge will under go design changes with bidding to go out in March or April. The Arkansas Dem-Gaz calls it a "no-frills redesign."  Because of the delays I expect less and less to the point that the end product will not have been worth the wait.

[LRU1967]

skirby, on Dec 21 2006, 11:50 AM, said:

The Junction Bridge will under go design changes with bidding to go out in March or April. The Arkansas Dem-Gaz calls it a "no-frills redesign."  Because of the delays I expect less and less to the point that the end product will not have been worth the wait.

Maybe not worth the wait, but certainly better than what's there now.

[turboturtle]

LRU1967, on Dec 21 2006, 11:31 AM, said:

Maybe not worth the wait, but certainly better than what's there now.

Anyone know what is estimated to remove the bridge entirely?

[Cru Jones]

skirby, on Dec 21 2006, 11:50 AM, said:

The Junction Bridge will under go design changes with bidding to go out in March or April. The Arkansas Dem-Gaz calls it a "no-frills redesign."  Because of the delays I expect less and less to the point that the end product will not have been worth the wait.

Anyone want to take a guess at what we'll likely be missing out on? I'm guessing it will be a functional pedestrian bridge with a fresh coat of paint. That's about it for starters.


Best case scenario at this point is to make it functional and add the "frills" over the next couple of years. I really hope it gets lighting though.