The Second Avenue Bridge is a key component of Michigan Department of Transportation’s I-94 Modernization Project, which involves reconstructing and modernizing about seven miles of urban freeway in Detroit. Due to its poor condition, the bridge needed to be rebuilt ahead of the freeway improvements. The Michigan DOT aimed to design the bridge without a center pier to allow future freeway construction flexibility, save time and money, and minimize construction disruptions. The Tied Network Arch design not only provides a signature entry point for I-94 traffic entering downtown Detroit but also connects the Midtown and New Center neighborhoods. The bridge emphasizes non-motorized users with wide sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, aesthetic lighting, and landscaping. This $25.6 million project enhances neighborhood cohesion and community connectivity, making the bridge a vital link while softening the visual impact of crossing one of Michigan’s busiest freeways.
America's Transportation Awards 