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
