Mill Creek Bridges
Adding to the character of Mill Creek Linear Park are six bridges traversing the canal. The covered bridge, located in Central Park, was the first to be constructed, and has become synonymous with Mill Creek Linear Park. The bridges at 18th and 17th Streets support vehicular traffic while the three bridges along the southern portion of the park are intended for pedestrian use. Each bridge combines design and purpose to complement the atmosphere of the entire park.
The Covered Bridge
This is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mill Creek Linear Park. Designed by Aaron Meyer, it was envisioned as a point of prominence for the park, adding character and charm to draw in surrounding neighbors and tourists while providing a link from one side of Central Park to the other. The prefabricated steel bridge truss was built in 2008 and is seated on prepared abutments constructed during the three week canal-construction interval. Once in place, the covering was crafted by local craftsmen. The walking surface is pressed, colored, and stamped concrete mimicking a rustic wood surface. The bridge spans 35' across the canal and has an approximate overall size of 41' in length x 18'-10" wide x 17'-6" in height.
18th Street Vehicular Bridge
Replacing the box culvert at 18th Street, the prefabricated bridge opened up the canal waterway blending seamlessly with the architectural features of Mill Creek Linear Park. Spanning 26' across the canal, this bridge is comprised of 13 individual panels forming a 98' wide bridge, and is over 13' high from base to top of headwall. Each headwall is finished with a river rock facade and completed with the Mill Creek themed pilasters and railing for public safety. The bridge links traffic from one side of the canal to the other incorporating signal lights allowing for pedestrians to cross the roadways with increased safety.
17th Street Vehicular Bridge
The crossing at 17th Street underwent a dramatic change during this project. Vehicular traffic was diverted on the west side of the canal to curve along R Street and meet with 18th Street. To the east of the canal, the road was ended in a cul-de-sac allowing for a plaza area and construction of the Mill House. The 17th Street bridge has two lanes. The south is dedicated to vehicular traffic facilitating the Hill House Hotel patrons by means of a private entrance, while the north side is dedicated for public pedestrian use, linking both sides of Mill Creek Linear Park. The overall size of the bridge is 26'-6" wide, 12"-6" tall from the base to top of head wall, with a span of 34'. Each headwall is finished with river rock facade and safety railing. This is great place to view the Mill House Waterwheel and watch the water as it spills over the L-shaped weir.
Pedestrian Bridges
The segment of the Mill Creek Linear Park between the Amtrak Station and California Avenue has three pedestrian bridges. Two of them are 9'-8" wide and the third is 13'-8" wide. They span 38' across the canal, with an added 5' on either side of extended headwall. The bridge and headwall combined are 14'-3" in height. Each bridge was prefabricated and is comprised of two panels. The bridges are finished with river rock facade and safety railings tying into the Mill Creek theme. They are spaced between 300' and 350' apart along the 1000-foot reach.
