Improving walkability and pedestrian safety on eight Skanska projects
October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and in recognition of that, we’re highlighting eight Skanska projects across the country that enhance pedestrian access and safety.
Sixth Street Viaduct
Los Angeles, California
The iconic Sixth Street Viaduct was designed to provide a new gateway into Los Angeles. As part of that vision, our team ensured that the bridge would allow safer access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Skanska added wider sidewalks, a safety median buffer and river access. The new bridge also integrates bicycle and pedestrian access with 10-foot-wide bike lanes along each side of the viaduct, and open space that offers direct connections to the Los Angeles River.
Heming
McLean, Virginia
An initial goal of our recently completed Heming development was to bring walkability to the Tysons/McLean region of Virginia. Visitors can now 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.
3901 Fairfax
Arlington, Virginia
3901 Fairfax, a nine-story office building that our team recently topped out in Arlington, Virginia, will prioritize the health and safety of pedestrians.
When this mixed-use development opens later this year, it will include ground-floor retail and an 8,000 square-foot public plaza designed with lush landscaping. Plaza visitors will enjoy access to outdoor green space, and community engagement and programming.
The mixed-use development is located between two Metro stations and next to the vibrant urban community of Ballston, improving walkability for the area.
North Coast Corridor
San Diego, California
Skanska Civil’s North Coast Corridor project in San Diego included several components to enhance pedestrian access and safety.
The San Elijo Lagoon Restoration segment included the construction of two pedestrian bridges and a hiking trail network to the nature center. The San Elijo Lagoon Highway Bridge widening also added improved and accessible bike and pedestrian paths.
As part of a I-5 NCC broader community improvement initiative, our project team installed physical barriers along the highway that experienced heavy pedestrian and bike traffic to and from a popular school to fully separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
Civic Park at Hemisfair
San Antonio, Texas
Civic Park at Hemisfair, 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 project includes 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.
(Rendering credit: NYC Economic Development Corporation)
East Midtown Greenway
New York, New York
Skanska is currently building the first phase of the East Midtown Waterfront Esplanade and East River Greenway in New York. The $166 million project involves the construction of a new in-water structure that serves as a public esplanade along FDR Drive.
One of the major goals of this project is to create new, connected and safe spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy the waterfront around Manhattan.
(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.
Coachman Park
Clearwater, Florida
Coachman Park, a 24.6-acre waterfront park and entertainment venue in downtown Clearwater was designed with the safety of the public in 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.