Hunter
06/12/21
After putting up chain link fences on all four corners of Iowa City’s Park Road Bridge to deter trespassing on its arches, the city is working on a permanent solution.
The bridge, which opened in 2018, became infamous after a YouTube video showing a skateboarder hurtling down one of the arches to the delight of onlookers. YouTube took the video down and city officials warned that stunts like that could end in a fatality.
The fences, while functional, were an eyesore.
The Gazette reports that the design consultant for the $40 million Gateway Project that raised Dubuque Street and included the new bridge came up with a more aesthetic fix, which includes concrete planter boxes and ornamental handrails that match the ones already installed on the bridge.
Melissa Clow is Special Projects Administrator for the city, and tells the paper that the new design will limit direct access to the arches while maintaining the clean lines of the bridge. The concrete has been poured for the planters, and the handrails will be installed in late July, Following that, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will add the plants and backfill.
The upgrades will cost the city an additional $100,330.