Darlene Hooley Pedestrian Bridge

Portland, Oregon

The Darlene Hooley Bridge provides pedestrian/bike access across Interstate 5, connecting the historic Lair Hill neighborhood to the South Waterfront District along the Willamette River. The glassy cabs of Portland’s aerial tram that links the Oregon Health Sciences University’s two campuses, float above the 600’ long bridge. Due to the site topography, the east end of the bridge is poised 60-ft. above the street, requiring an elevator and affording a viewpoint toward Mt. Hood and panorama of the Willamette Riverfront.

Mayer/Reed’s role on the architecture/engineering included pedestrian and bike linkages at the bridgeheads, bridge type studies, accessible routes and elevator integration. The firm designed the hill climb stair, landings and the bridgehead spaces in the neighborhoods on both ends. The compact urban plaza on the east landing of the bridge provides a gathering place and forecourt to the grand stair. Beneath the bridge, a vertical rain garden is terraced with river stone gabions, steel weir plates and riparian plantings. An eco-roof caps the small building housing the elevator mechanical equipment.

Owner: Portland Bureau of Transportation

Photographer: Bruce Forster

The Darlene Hooley Bridge provides pedestrian/bike access across Interstate 5, connecting the historic Lair Hill neighborhood to the South Waterfront District along the Willamette River. The glassy cabs of Portland’s aerial tram that links the Oregon Health Sciences University’s two campuses, float above the 600’ long bridge. Due to the site topography, the east end of the bridge is poised 60-ft. above the street, requiring an elevator and affording a viewpoint toward Mt. Hood and panorama of the Willamette Riverfront.

Mayer/Reed’s role on the architecture/engineering included pedestrian and bike linkages at the bridgeheads, bridge type studies, accessible routes and elevator integration. The firm designed the hill climb stair, landings and the bridgehead spaces in the neighborhoods on both ends. The compact urban plaza on the east landing of the bridge provides a gathering place and forecourt to the grand stair. Beneath the bridge, a vertical rain garden is terraced with river stone gabions, steel weir plates and riparian plantings. An eco-roof caps the small building housing the elevator mechanical equipment.

Owner

Darlene Hooley Pedestrian Bridge Portland, Oregon

Services

Landscape Architecture

Sustainable Features

Green roofs and eco-roofs
Recycled/recyclable materials
Stormwater treatment & bioswales
Transit connections/alternative transportation

Awards

American Society of Landscape Architeccts, Oregon Chapter Merit Award, Transportation, 2013