Artist Volkan Alkanoglu designed a timber-and-steel pedestrian bridge Drift using methods similar to shipbuilding to span the culvert along Westcreek Drive in Fort Worth, Texas.
The bridge will enhance pedestrian connectivity from the new Westcreek Drive walking path to the Trinity Trails via Kellis Park, Foster Park, and Overton Park.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant bridge features a steel skeleton completely sheathed inside and out in reddish-gold Spanish cedar. There are slight gaps between cedar boards to allow for expansion and contraction, but they are narrow for the steel understructure to remain invisible.
The bridge is inspired by natural formations in and along the creek, as well as the mid-century architecture of the neighborhood. At 17.7 m (58 ft) long and 3.7 m (12 ft) wide, the bridge transforms from a smooth geometric form to an organic shape, widening in the center to offer seating for the public to briefly rest and enjoy the view.
The Spanish cedar will be sanded to a smooth satin texture and treated with an oil finish. The bridge floor includes features to improve traction when wet and deter skateboarders.
The bridge was fabricated by Ignition Arts in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is the third project collaboration between Alkanoglu and Ignition Arts.
Upon completion of fabrication, Ignition Arts transported the artwork to Fort Worth. The project was installed on June 22 and is expected to be dedicated in late summer.
