The Streetscapes Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Sylvan Discovery Gateway Bridge is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

 
The existing TxDOT designed Sylvan Avenue Bridge northwest of Downtown Dallas (.85 mile long) is being transformed into a bike & pedestrian friendly community connector by closing two vehicle lanes and implementing a road diet. The Sylvan Discovery Gateway Bridge will become a popular community and visitor destination with concrete paver curbed islands, public art barriers and an enhanced concrete paver pedestrian plaza at the top, overlooking the incredible unobstructed view of the Downtown Dallas skyline on the east and the Trinity floodway greenbelt to the west.

The existing bridge has narrow, flagged bicycle trails with no protection for the riders and pedestrian trails along the outside with concrete walls & a metal tube barrier. Both trails appear dangerous and are seldom used (the posted vehicle speed is 40 mph, but traffic appears to travel over the speed limit). By closing two auto drive lanes on either side of the bridge and repurposing them as a 5' width curbed separation island and a 7' directional linear bike lane trail across the Trinity River, we were able to create an enjoyable safe connection. The islands will be topped with colorful hardscape: enhanced pavers and a curvilinear sculpture barrier wall, made from segmented Corten with stone block end caps for vehicle traffic calming and bike and pedestrian visuals. No landscape was proposed for the bridge section to increase sustainability, minimize water usage and reduce maintenance. The bridge will also include a non-directional pedestrian trail, crosswalks, bench site furnishings, bicycle facilities racks and plaza barrier walls with relocated tube barriers for public safety.

The project is funded by the Circuit Trail Conservancy (CTC), a 501(c)(3) partnered with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department to develop a comprehensive, alternative transportation solution funded by a combination of public and private dollars called "The LOOP". The design portion of the project began in December 2021and was completed in December 2024. Construction began in January 2025 with an estimated completion Spring of 2026.

To see more Streetscape projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-streetscapes-issue#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php