The $18.6 million Gold Line bridge in Arcadia deemed the "gateway to the San Gabriel Valley" received final design approval Tuesday, an important step in moving the project forward, according to transportation officials.
The bridge is the first project under construction along the 11.5 mile Gold Line Foothill Extension from Pasadena to Azusa. On Tuesday, Caltrans and the Gold Line Construction Authority approved the final design of the structure, which is inspired by the region's Native American heritage.
"We started this design process with an exciting artist’s concept paying homage to the region’s historic Native American basket-weaving tradition," said Habib F. Balian, CEO for the Construction Authority, in a prepared statement. "That vision has moved from concept to design over the last year, and the bridge’s final design has improved through that process."
The bridge was designed by public artist Andrew Leicester and features "" technology that allows engineers to test for damage in the structure electronically.
Glendora Mayor and GLCA board chairman Doug Tessitor said in a statement that the bridge is the "most visible element" in the entire Foothill Extension project.
"The bridge is the most visible element of the Foothill Extension project, and we wanted to utilize that prominence to create a true gateway to the San Gabriel Valley," Tessitor wrote. "The details on the bridge are representative of the rich and proud heritage of the region and will become an important marker for future generations as they enter the valley by train or car."
