Orchids & Onions

West Mission Bay Bridge

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  Public Architecture

Address

West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109

Owner / Developer

City of San Diego

Architect / Designer

Safdie Rabines Architects

Photo Credit

Pablo Mason

Completed in 2023, the 1,400-foot West Mission Bay Bridge Replacement was designed to facilitate alternative modes of transportation alongside vehicular traffic, improve coastal access around Mission Bay, and improve safety and congestion within this highly visited area of San Diego.

Architectural elements of the West Mission Bay Bridge drew inspiration from the Great Egret, a resident species of bird recognizable for its stark white body atop long dark legs. This image is manifested in the main spans of the bridge that float above the Mission Bay waterway, comprised of white stained concrete and dark columns that meet the water.

Designed to be viewed from above and below, all user experiences were taken into consideration when planning the West Mission Bay Bridge. Pedestrians and bicyclists traveling underneath the structure witness a visual display of sculptural form as they journey below. Above, bespoke benches align with scenic overlook alcoves extended over the bay. Ample space is provided for bike and pedestrian lanes, with two-directional allotments on either side of the bridge.

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