Bridge Aesthetics Committee seeks members
Do you have ideas for how the new bridge should look? Apply for the Bridge Aesthetics Committee!
The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement Project is moving into the design phase for the new bridge and we are seeking members for an advisory committee to help guide this work.
Bridges are long-lasting, highly visible, and often important landmarks with strong character. In this spirit, the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC) will have the opportunity to generate ideas and concepts for new bridge aesthetic treatments (aka design features) that will be compiled in an Aesthetics Guidance Memorandum. The bridge design team will use the memorandum as a guide as they make choices that affect the appearance of the bridge, ensuring that the design expresses the region’s unique cultural identity and reflects the exceptional natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge.
We are looking for a variety of voices and perspectives to contribute to the committee process. Even if you have never served in a similar role before, we’d love to hear from you (we want a fresh perspective)!
If you are interested in contributing valuable insight to help guide the appearance of the new bridge, please apply today. Applications accepted through January 3, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
The Committee’s Role
Gather and articulate design ideas and concepts, relating to:
Materials, railings, traffic barriers, overlooks, lighting, furnishings (like benches), protective screening, and interpretive/wayfinding signs;
bridge colors, reviewed for harmony with the landscape setting;
user experience on and viewing the bridge; and
considerations of safety, durability, and cost.
Collect and provide information for community outreach on aesthetic considerations for the bridge.
Provide input on the locations for potential reuse of salvaged bridge parts at suitable locations on each side of the river.
This committee will produce the Aesthetics Guidance Memorandum, an essential document that will be used to inform the eventual decisions made by the bridge design team.
Member selection
The BAC will be made up of four community members (two from Oregon and two from Washington) joined by representatives from various agencies in relevant fields. Agencies and organizations were invited based on their expertise in the transportation field or connection to the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area. We are looking to include individuals who represent diverse interests and lived experiences. Community members will be selected by a committee of project staff and Bridge Authority representatives based on their interest, experience/background, and unique perspective.
Meeting format and time commitment
The BAC is expected to meet four times between January and June 2024, both in person and/or virtually. See the anticipated schedule below for more details. The schedule will be determined by the members. We expect to hold three 2-hour meetings and one longer workshop style meeting in February or early March. Meetings will be led by a professional facilitator from JLA Public Involvement.
APPLICATIONS WERE ACCEPTED THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M.
To learn more about this project, please visit our About page and review the Aesthetics Committee Purpose and Scope.
Please email us at info@hoodriverbridge.org if you have any questions or need further information. We look forward to the opportunity to work together to build a new, resilient bridge!
Accessibility to the BAC is important to us. Please email info@hoodriverbridge.org to receive materials in other languages and formats.
