Route 47 over the Missouri River
Washington, MO
Washington, Missouri was founded as a river town. From its bluff above the river the historic downtown overlooks the riverfront that was the source of its early prosperity. The Route 47 bridge crosses the river about three quarters of a mile downstream from downtown. It is the most notable feature on the river. The existing bridge is too narrow for modern traffic, plus its above-deck trusses interfere with views from the bridge to the downtown. The town asked that the new bridge offer a new and unique identity on the river while recalling distinctive aspects of the existing bridge.
The new bridge will provide two lanes of traffic with shoulders and support a new pedestrian/bike path along the downtown side of the bridge. Navigation clearances require two 500 foot main spans with a pier in the middle of the river. The deeply haunched girders used for these long spans, tallest over the piers, recalls the variable depth of the existing truss, also tallest over the piers. The girders will be softly lighted to make the silhouette visible at night. The three legs of each pier are joined by pointed arches, recalling the piers of the existing bridge. The piers will be washed with light from their tops. An overlook at the center pier, also the highest point of the bridge, will provide dramatic views of the river and the downtown.