Client: City of Kirkland
Duration: 2019 – ongoing
Highlight Photo: rendering of proposed bridge, courtesy of City of Kirkland/VIA Architecture.
The Totem Lake Connector will carry the pedestrian and cycling trail across the busiest intersection in Kirkland at NE 124th Street and Totem Lake Boulevard. The bridge provides safe passage for all ages and ability (AAA) users on the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC) trail. As a powerful gateway symbol for the growth and change occurring around Totem Lake, the bridge is highly anticipated by the city government and community.
This 800-ft long bridge uses expressive, undulating arches above and below the bridge deck. A circular loop ramp achieves the required elevation change to gradually connect users back to grade while providing sweeping views over the wetlands. Unique features include a 25-foot cantilevered “overlook” at one of the Y-piers along the loop ramp. At the midpoint, the bridge widens to accommodate a resting area, nicknamed the “Splash,” and will have an abstract ripple image created with thermoplastic dots.
V+M is providing Construction Management and inspection services as a part of a consultant team for the project. V+M was also retained by the City of Kirkland to provide consulting services regarding construction phase activities. This included a workshop with City staff to review sequencing and fabrication considerations for the project to help with planning towards the construction phase, and a presentation to City Council.
Additionally, during the Design Phase, Schaun Valdovinos (Principal) was the Project Manager and Design Lead responsible for developing a variety of preliminary bridge concepts that included a series of asymmetric cable-stayed spans, arches, ring girder, and assisted girder options. Schaun led the final design of the “skipping stone” concept and helped develop lighting concepts.
