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Hancher Footbridge Bridge Design Over the Iowa River

SRF served as lead designer on the design-build team for the Hancher Footbridge, a 380-foot pedestrian crossing over the Iowa River in Iowa City. The new bridge was constructed upstream of the existing bridge and aligned to provide a more direct connection to the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium.

SRF’s responsibilities included structural, civil, hydraulic, lighting, and aesthetic design for this three-span crossing. The superstructure features twin, haunched steel plate girders and a 12-foot concrete deck with a 4-foot vertical curve.

Design highlights include:

  • Cantilevered overlooks at each pier for enhanced viewing
  • Stainless steel cable railings for safety and transparency
  • Beveled pier detailing and accent lighting beneath the deck for nighttime visibility
  • Construction engineering services for cofferdams required to construct in-river piers

The footbridge exemplifies a balance of engineering functionality and visual elegance, improving both pedestrian connectivity and the riverfront environment at the University of Iowa.

Resource Links
University of Iowa – Hancher Auditorium

Internal Category
Bridges and Structures

Client:
University of Iowa
Location:
University of Iowa - Iowa City, Iowa
Services:
Bridges and Structures
Awards:
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