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Seven Skanska projects improving walkability and pedestrian safety

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and in recognition of that, we’re highlighting seven Skanska projects across the country that enhance pedestrian access and safety. 

Portage Bay Bridge

Seattle, Washington 

Enhancing the pedestrian experience is central to the $1.4 billion Portage Bay Bridge project plans. The design-build project will not only involve constructing two new parallel bridges, but also the creation of a landscaped lid to improve regional mobility for pedestrians.

The bridge’s unique lid component will hover over SR 520 between 10th Avenue East and Delmar Drive East and finish off the SR 520 Program’s transit and HOV enhancements between Redmond and Seattle. The landscaped lid over the highway will create nearly 3-acres of recreational open space for locals and visitors, reconnecting communities that were severed by the original construction of SR 520.

Additionally, Portage Bay will bring increased access to Seattle’s non-motorized trail network. Once complete, the eastbound bridge span will extend the regional bicycle and pedestrian SR 520 Trail, creating a convenient new access point to the trail network.

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Heming 

McLean, Virginia 

One of the original goals guiding the development of Heming, was to bring walkability to the Tysons/McLean region of Virginia. Now complete, visitors to Heming can enjoy a three-level outdoor public plaza called The Levels for neighborhood gatherings and special events. 

The Levels connect Chain Bridge Road to Platform Avenue and the metro station through an open-air plaza, giving the public access to nature with 28,000 square feet of beautifully terraced and landscaped outdoor space for dining, gathering and special programing. 

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The Eight

Bellevue, Washington

The 25-story, 540,000 SF office tower, The Eight, creates a welcoming public space for pedestrians passing through the heart of downtown Bellevue, Washington.

The Eight matches the rhythm of Bellevue’s urban environment, promoting wellness, community and connection.

The development’s striking 7,000-square-foot plaza, landscaped with native Pacific Northwest plants, encourages pedestrians to pause, refresh and connect with the beautiful surrounding environment. Additionally, some of Bellevue’s best shopping will soon be within reach to visitors of The Eight via the building’s 11,000-square-feet of ground level retail.

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Civic Park at Hemisfair 

San Antonio, Texas

Civic Park at Hemisfair Phase 1, featuring a seven-acre park in downtown San Antonio, was designed to improve walkable connections between Hemisfair and the San Antonio River, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, The Alamo, La Villita, St. Paul Square and the Alamodome, as well as to the adjacent neighborhoods.  

The first phase of the project included constructing The Great Lawn, a 51,000 square-foot great lawn for large events; The Springs, a multi-element grand water feature that takes its inspiration from the natural aquifer unique to San Antonio and the hill country; and The Promenade, which lines the water channel and provides a shaded corridor for pedestrians.

Skanska’s Phase 2 work at Civic Park involves creating more shaded areas for pedestrians to gather and experience the park. Once complete, the new Source Plaza will serve as a large plaza located at the busiest intersection of Downtown San Antonio, and feature both hardscape and landscape to produce substantial shade for visitors via a tree canopy.

The Promenade at Civic Park will also be completed in Phase 2 and serve as a shaded pedestrian connection between Downtown and Southtown through the Hemisfair District.

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East Midtown Greenway  

New York, New York

Skanska’s East Midtown Waterfront Esplanade and East River Greenway project in New York ushers in a new space for Manhattan locals to exercise, take in views and recharge.

One of the major goals of this project was to create a new, connected and safe space for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy the waterfront around Manhattan.

Out of that vision, the $166 million project involved constructing a new in-water structure that serves as a public esplanade along FDR Drive. 

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(Photo credit: LaGuardia Gateway Partners) 

LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment 

Queens, New York

Skanska’s LaGuardia Terminal B Redevelopment project in New York includes two pedestrian skybridges that connect the Arrivals and Departures Hall to two island concourses. The western skybridge stretches 482 feet long and stands 60 feet off the ground, totaling over 34,000 square feet, and is comprised of 2,500 tons of structural steel.  

The Eastern Concourse Pedestrian Bridge is approximately 420 feet long and elevated 65 feet above the ground. LaGuardia is the world’s first airport to feature two of these innovative pedestrian skybridges. 

Not only do these skybridges offer travelers beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, but they also ensure their safety as they make their way across the airport.

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Coachman Park

Clearwater, Florida 

Coachman Park, a 24.6-acre waterfront park and entertainment venue in downtown Clearwater was designed with public safety top of mind.

The new ADA accessible park includes a shaded bluff walk that connects the park to the city’s downtown, new gardens and a scenic lake, and recreational amenities that enhance pedestrian activity, the cycling experience and support community events.  

The park’s centerpiece is a 4,000-seat covered concert venue with capacity for 5,000 more eventgoers on the connected lawn.