Fort Worth Gets Signature Bridge

Fort Worth will someday be home to a signature bridge connecting downtown to the cultural district.

The Texas Department of Transportation awarded the contract to rebuild the West Seventh Street bridge in Fort Worth on Thursday.

The $22.7 million reinforced concrete "thru-arch" bridge will feature six arch spans across the Trinity River, with four lanes of traffic, plus room for a streetcar (that the city council no longer wants), and 10-foot sidewalks to improve safety and foot traffic. The bridge will expand from the current 57-feet wide to 88-feet wide.

"It is fitting that we build a new bridge focused on serving bicycles and pedestrians in addition to cars and trucks," Moncrief said in a news release from the city and TxDOT. "Today, a renaissance is under way. Seventh Street is about both residential and commercial development. It’s a vibrant, pedestrian friendly atmosphere. The new bridge matches that character."

Construction is set to begin in early 2011, with completion expected in Fall 2012 before the holiday season.

TxDOT and the City of Fort Worth said they plan to work with businesses to minimize disruption during construction.

"To build a bridge of this stature is exciting for the Fort Worth community, and it will leave a lasting impression on the Fort Worth and Trinity River landscape," said TxDOT Commissioner Bill Meadows in the news release. "This signature bridge portrays Fort Worth’s rich history and culture which was only made possible by the extensive and successful collaboration among the city, the business, historic and cultural community, and the department."