ANN ARBOR, MI — The City of Ann Arbor’s new Gallup Park Bridge was named Project of the Year in the Transportation Category ($5-25 Million) by the American Public Works Association Michigan Chapter (APWA-MI), Downriver Branch. Spanning the Huron River within popular Gallup Park, the crossing restored a heavily used route for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Wade Trim completed detailed design engineering and construction and inspection services for the project.

Beyond replacing a 1970s timber structure, the new bridge enhanced safety while preserving the natural character of the park and river corridor. The design incorporated public feedback to improve safety and comfort for park users, while blending the bridge’s aesthetics into the surrounding area.

Natural elements found in the park and original structure — such as cobblestone and timber accents — were integrated to create a sense of character that fits within the Huron River corridor, while maximizing longevity with a concrete structure. Other features include timber railings, guardrail, and decking over the concrete deck at each pedestrian path, partial cobblestone walls that mimic similar park elements, and limestone ledge stones that stabilize the riverbank and allow easy shoreline access.

The new bridge accommodates vehicles but has a pedestrian focus. The two-span structure features a single, 12-foot-wide vehicular lane and two, 10-foot-wide pedestrian paths. Its layout calms traffic, promotes low vehicle speeds, and offers ample space for pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition, clearance between the bridge and river was increased to allow safer passage for kayakers and other individuals enjoying the river.