Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. From left to right: Bill Gute, Roy Peratrovich, Dennis Nottingham, and Department of Highways Commissioner Robert Beardsleykey members of the 60s bridge design team. October 15th, 2017 Posted in Outdoors, Romance, Sightseeing | Connecting downtown Sitka and the ANB harbor to the University of Alaska district, the John O'Connell Bridge is cable-stayed and whisks you across the Sitka Channel. This is the headquarters of the left-wing/libertarian and cranky intelligentsia of Sitka. Whenever you work in the transportation industry, you look around at everything that was built, there are stories everywhere. It was a gorgeous day60F, sunny, a light breeze. On Sunday, September 11, 2022slightly more than a half-century after the bridge opened to vehicular trafficthe American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Alaska Section designated the John OConnell Memorial Bridge an Alaska Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. All the items in a particular medium (e.g., all drawings, all photographs) can be ordered as photocopies or high-quality copies. Length of O\'Connell Bridge (Sitka/Alaska state/USA/North America). Pass Sheldon Jackson Museum, Alaska Pioneer Home, and St. Michael's Cathedral, and listen to engaging commentary on the sites from informative guides. When they built the bridge, it was pretty exciting in town, Stedman recalled during the ceremony. When we look at this economic development, once the bridge was done, theres been construction over on Japonski for almost fifty years straight, and you can really see it today with the hospital going on and the expansion of the Coast Guard, Stedman said. Image of island, peak, horizontal - 75158503 We didnt have the computer programs yet, said Peratrovich, who deferred to Kohls, Nottingham, and the Department of Highways new IBM 1130 Computing System with the unfortunately titled STRESS acronym for its Structural Engineering System Solver software. original item when a digital image is available. We had this paper-fed thing, you get this pile of responses and answers in this thing on folded paper that youd pull out and spread all the way down to Seattle if you let it, Peratrovich said. Fred Kohls was the computer section lead, assisting Nottingham with one of the first computer-aided structural engineering designs in Alaska history. The John O'Connell Bridge over the Sitka Channel, List of bridges documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in Alaska, "Where Did the Russians Settle in Alaska? Take a stroll over the bridge and discover your adopted town from a new perspective. Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Construction work continues on Calhoun Avenue. Kinney was asked what he thinks significant structures in Alaska share in common. Where to next? We always seek through the national historic civil engineering landmark program to honor these projects and the engineers who make them happen, for their skills as innovators and risk-takers, presenter Larry Magura, PE, the ASCE Region 8 Director, said during Sundays dedication in Sitka. [2], Approximately 4000 vehicles cross the bridge every day,[2] up from the approximate 1000 shore boat passengers per day prior to the bridge's completion. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. He can be contacted at [emailprotected]. The John O'Connell Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Sitka Channel located in Sitka, Alaska. The bridges harp design features a trio of cables suspended to the deck in each direction from high atop two sets of 100-foot twin towers. Finished in 1972, it was named after a former mayor of Sitka. Significance: O'Connell Bridge is the first cable-stayed, girder-span bridge in the United States. Greg Kinney, former Alaska section president for the American Society of Civil Engineers, explained the several criteria that are needed to become such a landmark; 50 years of use, has to be of historical significance locally or statewide, and finally, have unique characteristics that set the structure apart from other civil engineering projects. (NOTE: These numbers are visible in the Tiff "Reference Image" display.). You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This article about a bridge in Alaska is a stub. Reference staff can advise you in Fairbanks has much to offer though. Versovia and Gavin Hill in the background; Sitka, Alaska, United States of America RF 2K0HTNA - A vertical shot of J.W. ( LAN Hires Structural Engineer V Dhrudat Patel P.E. Fairbanks, Alaska (UAF) - Four science instruments at Delta Junction have begun gathering air quality data as part of a multistate project to determine the chemical content and physical properties of airborne particulate matter. We had this paper-fed thing; you get this pile of responses and answers in this thing on folded paper that youd pull out and spread all the way down to Seattle if you let it, Peratrovich said. a reference librarian. 6 min walk Sitka Lutheran Church is an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sitka, Alaska. Restrictions Information page Its one of the first things you see, a striking landmark welcoming you to Sitka. Make note of the Call Number listed above. We didnt have the computer programs yet, said Peratrovich, who deferred to Kohls, Nottingham, and the Department of Highways new IBM 1130 Computing System unfortunately titled STRESS: an acronym for its Structural Engineering System Solver software. [3] The bridge was also the United States' first vehicular cable-stayed girder spanned bridge. External Link Disclaimer | Thats partly what makes this bridge so appealing. have a compelling reason to see the original, consult with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) last week introduced comprehensive seafood-related legislation intended to bolster U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) support for domestic fishermen and seafood producers. This project in particular with the innovative design and the way that people thought about this in 1972 when they built it really is an example for us as a state, as the Department of Transportation, of how we want to move forward.. Order our Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner and plot your course. It was just so much paperwork that you gotta go through; it just didnt have the capabilities for doing structural work that was needed on this job. On September 11, 2022, the American Society of Civil Engineers Alaska Section designated the John OConnell Memorial Bridge in Sitka as an Alaska Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Im happy to be here to bring this recognition on his behalf, said David Gamez, the events emcee and a past president of the ASCE Alaska Section. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The bridge connects the town of Sitka on Baranof Island to the airport and Coast Guard Station on Japonski Island. Edgecumbe, is near Sitka. North Carolinas Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center created the walk-friendly awards in 2010, and even though Sitka might not be the typical pedestrian-friendly town, the locals are proud to have such a title. [8], The bridge was designated as an Alaska Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2022.[9]. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. We always seek through the national historic civil engineering landmark program to honor these projects and the engineers who make them happen for their skills as innovators and risk-takers, presenter Larry Magura, the ASCE Region 8 Director, said during the dedication in Sitka. The John O'Connell Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Sitka Channel located in Sitka, Alaska. Until the bridge was completed in 1971, the commute was only achievable through a ferry service. This article about a bridge in Alaska is a stub. With Internet access and wireless connections there is more clicking of fingers on keyboards than there used to be, but there are still soft chairs and big tables at which to sit and think, and there is still the perfect view of Sitka Sound. The obvious one is that this bridge is in just about everybodys pictures. John O'Connell Bridge, 2010.jpg 3,264 2,448; 1.26 MB John O'Connell Bridge, Sitka 2013.JPG 3,456 2,304; 3.31 MB LOOKING SOUTHWEST. Monthly travel tips, highlights, and savings! HABS/HAER/HALS materials have generally been scanned at high resolution that is suitable for most publication purposes (see Digitizing the Collection for further details about the digital images). The Coast Guard would probably still be there because they like the seclusion and the location, but it was really an anchor point in the economy to get this bridge built, and were reaping the benefits now., Sitka Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz echoed Stedmans remarks: We heard earlier about all of the economic activity that can happen on Japonski Island because of it, and that is on both sides of the island, he said, referring to Baranof Island where the town center resides. please use our Ask A Librarian service or A comfortable van takes you across the O'Connell Bridge to Japonski Island. No big deal., Im going to think about that a little bit more every time I drive across this bridge now, he said, what a convenience and what an asset it really is to Sitka.. It was fitting the ceremony took place in the shadow of the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, the national historic landmark where Russian Alaska was formally handed over to the United States in 1867. O'Connell Bridge Lightering Float Pile Replacement Project Sitka Sound, Sitka, Alaska Updated December 2018 Prepared for: City & Borough of Sitka Department of Public Works 100 Lincoln Street Sitka, Alaska 99835 Prepared by: Solstice Alaska Consulting, Inc. 2607 Fairbanks Street Suite B Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Unleash the traveler in you discover the cheapest flight deals, find the perfect hotel or hostel nearby, and search for the best car rental prices. The bridge is named after John W. O'Connell, a former mayor of Sitka. Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) - The Chugach National Forest will host public meetings on Jul. This 1255-foot-long bridge has reserved its place in history by being America's first cable-stayed girder spanned bridge. Wheels were in motion for a 2020 dedication until the COVID-19 pandemic canceled all plans, travel and otherwise. 27, the Alaska State Troopers were notified that 54-year-old Ester resident Matthew Heller had threatened an adult female with a rifle at a home in Ester. Its very iconic, very aesthetically pleasing. At that time, it was a very, very large structure and if I recall correctly, the tallest in the world at that particular point in time.". [5][6] Special consideration was given to the bridge's aesthetics due to its proximity to nearby Castle Hill. To access the trail, head to the old pulp-mill site, then turn uphill onto Blue Lake Road. Beaver Lake Trail has a steep elevation gain in the first quarter mile, but then is relatively flat and loops around a small lake, taking you through some ancient old-growth forest and one spectacular section of high muskeg meadow with views of the surrounding ridges and peaks. few minutes. You can walk across the bridge for some spectacular views, which is part of what got Sitka named Alaskas first walk-friendly community. Online satellite view street map of O\'CONNELL BRIDGE(Sitka). Help Category:John O'Connell Bridge From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository Media in category "John O'Connell Bridge" The following 5 files are in this category, out of 5 total. It was just so much paperwork that you gotta go through; it just didnt have the capabilities for doing structural work that was needed on this job. Thanks for the comments and edit mathogre and JerelXTI. I dont know how many times a day you drive across this bridge, but you just really dont think about it. Over the crowds right shoulder was Crescent Bay; to the left, Castle Hill. Authorities say he told a friend he was going to jump off the John O'Connell Bridge in Sitka late Friday night and then swim to shore. The bridge is named after John W. O'Connell, a former mayor of Sitka. Posted in Outdoors, Romance, Sightseeing |. Enjoy up-close views of rescued bears at Fortress of the Bear, and . Ive been with the department for 22 years, and I love these kinds of projects, current Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF, formerly known as the Department of Highways) Commissioner Ryan Anderson, PE, said at the ceremony. For further rights Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print, For additional documentation, see also Japonski Bridge (HAER AK-33). It encompasses 4.3 acres, and as of the end of 2005 had 1,049 interments. [5][6] Special consideration was given to the bridge's aesthetics due to its proximity to nearby Castle Hill. Plus use our free tools to find new customers. same day or in the future. The resulting benefits of the bridge, however, were no laughing matter; its presence remains a boon to the City & Borough of Sitka today. File; File history; File usage on Commons; File usage on other wikis; Metadata; . 12 min walk The Russian Bishop's House, once the Russian Mission Orphanage, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark at Lincoln and Monastery Streets in Sitka, Alaska. Kinney explained the engineering significance of the Salmon Creek Dam. Gamez was ticking off a number of the challenges the bridge design team faced in successfully completing this projectthe high seismicity, climactic conditions, the technology at hand, and the bridges proximity to Castle Hill not the least among them. This is a beautiful bridge. [2] The two-lane bridge is 1,255 feet (383m) in total length, with a main span of 450 feet (140m). So, I want to thank the people who spent the time designing it and thinking of the aesthetics of this, as well, because it does blend in so well with our community. Until the bridge was completed in 1971, the commute was only achievable through a ferry service. Make note of the Call Number in the catalog record. The John O'Connell Bridge linking Sitka to Japonski Island is the first and only cable-stayed bridge in Alaska . 2023 Juneau Alaska Communications, LLC. Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Another 3rd and 4th of July holiday is on the horizon and the Juneau Police Department anticipates a lot of people will be participating in the holiday festivities. This project in particularwith the innovative design and the way that people thought about this in 1972 when they built itreally is an example for us as a state, as the Department of Transportation, of how we want to move forward., Back in 69, when we started looking at alternate crossings for Sitkawhat type to use, where to put it, how would it fit in with existing situations and future improvement to harbor work and all thatI had this cable-stayed [drawing], and I said, That would be ideal there., Roy Peratrovich Jr., Co-founder, PND Engineers. Its only a 3-mile hike, but with enough sweat factor at the start to make you feel virtuous. USA.gov, O'Connell Bridge, Sitka Harbor, Sitka, Sitka Borough, AK. Approach it from Japonski Island in the west, and the bridge presents itself as an imposing figure in front of its Sitka Harbor and Mount Verstovia backdrop. The bridge connects the town of Sitka on Baranof Island to the airport and Coast Guard Station on Japonski Island. Its difficult to distinguish the OConnell Bridge from the Sitka Harbor shoreline, which is remarkable considering the bridge is 1,255 feet long and towers more than 150 feet over the Sitka Channel. No big deal., Im going to think about that a little bit more every time I drive across this bridge now, he said, what a convenience and what an asset it really is to Sitka., Follow this informative guide by Geometricbox for contacting WordPress support, Engineering Drone Video of the Year 2023 Contest, Yearbook of Engineering Achievement (YEA), Alaska Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, New ASCE Publication Focus on Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability, Civil engineering historian to speak on great projects for S&Ts 2023 Stueck Lecture, Transformative Main Street Station Shed in Richmond, Va. Lauded as Shining Infrastructure Example. Yes, the item is digitized. He was eventually promoted from Department of Highways Bridge Design Section squad leader to section head in 1969. Until the bridge was completed in 1971 the commute was only achievable through a ferr No, the item is not digitized. 10, 11, 12, and Aug. 8 to provide information on the Chugach National Forest Kenai Peninsula Cabins Project. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Find ways to explore the communitys culture, history, This trip starts with a visit to Ketchikan, one of Alaskas most popular port towns, then gives you the choice of experiencingAlaskas spectacular wildlife or its rich culture and history as, Sample the best sights and experiences along Alaskas Inside Passage with this quick five-day itinerary, which includes everything from bear viewing to whale watching, spectacular glaciers, and a. It just happens to be there you drive to the hospital, you drive to the airport, you drive to the harbor, whatever your business on the other side of the island, you just cross the bridge. In fact, its a focal point on our new city seal, which was recently redesigned. Until the bridge was completed in 1971, the commute was only achievable through a ferry service. easier to see online where they are presented as positive
