North Atwater Non-Motorized Multimodal Bridge

The 325-foot-long structure features a 125‑foot‑high mast and steel suspension cables. A symbol of achievement for the Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan, the signature bridge connects the rapidly growing Atwater Village on the east bank to the Los Angeles River Bike Path on the west bank and provides access to the extensive Griffith Park trail network.

To accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians, the bridge deck is divided into two separate 12-foot‑wide pathways. The pedestrian/bicycle path uses a hardwood deck and stainless-steel mesh railings, while the equestrian side is topped with horse-friendly rubber pavers and a less transparent wooden picket railing system.

TYLin was responsible for providing construction engineering, with significant structural and civil design support during construction. When the firm joined the ongoing project as Engineer of Record, existing project plans and construction details required significant review. Critical elements such as the foundation, center pylon, and environmental footprint also needed careful evaluation.

TYLin responded by providing effective cost controls and sound, buildable construction plans without disrupting the contractor’s schedule.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS: 

• The cable stays along the length of the structure allow for a very lightweight bridge superstructure. 
• The thin profile of the superstructure allows the abutments to remain as low as possible to minimize impacts to the approaches. 
• TYLin designed a system of tuned mass dampers to reduce the magnitude of vibrations during severe equestrian loading to an acceptable range and prevent vibrations from continuing after horses pass off the bridge.  
• The crossing is potentially the first cable-stayed equestrian bridge in the world.

Image Credit: Brooke Duthie Photography