Juneau–Douglas Bridge

The Douglas Bridge (also colloquially known as the J. D. Bridge or simply "the bridge") is located in Juneau, Alaska. Spanning the Gastineau Channel, it connects Juneau's eastern, mainland side with the city's communities on Douglas Island to the west. The current span is the second bridge of the same name; the original, built in 1935, was demolished in 1981 following the completion of its replacement in 1980.

Douglas Bridge
Coordinates 58°17′56″N 134°25′44″W
Carries2 lanes of West 10th Street, pedestrians and bicycles
CrossesGastineau Channel
LocaleJuneau, Alaska
Characteristics
DesignGirder bridge
Total length189 metres (620 ft)
Height20.2 metres (66 ft)
History
Opened1980
Statistics
TollNone
Map showing location of the bridge in Juneau
Photo taken below the bridge, facing east from Douglas Island, shows the bridge's superstructure and support column above Gastineau Channel
A jogger heads west up the bike path toward Douglas Island as traffic approaches mainland Juneau, as seen from the mainland side

The bridge is the only roadway link to the communities on Douglas Island: Douglas, North Douglas and West Juneau, the latter of which is situated at the bridge's western terminus. Egan Drive, Juneau's principal arterial highway, and the bridge are connected at the intersection of Egan and 10th Street, one of the busiest intersections in Southeast Alaska.[1] The current bridge provides a two lane road which accommodates vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as a bike path.[2]

History

Though strong currents occur at times under the bridge,[3] prior to construction of the original bridge, residents of Douglas Island would row across the channel to reach the mainland.[4]

The 1935 bridge, of cantilever steel truss design,[5] underwent construction from both sides of the channel.[6] The Civil Works Administration and the Public Works Administration provided grants and loans to assist with construction costs.[7] Its opening was celebrated on October 13, 1935.[8] In 1975, construction began on a new girder bridge and it was completed in 1980.[9] The following year, the old bridge was demolished.[5] For a time, the two bridges stood side by side.[10]

A 2006 Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities project included some bridge joint and pavement improvements, as well as a recommendation to add a reversible center lane.[1] Seeking a solution to relieve traffic on the existing bridge, the CBJ has identified a need for a North Douglas Crossing of the channel as a top transportation priority for Juneau.[11]

Structure

The deck of the newer bridge was constructed using prestressed concrete. It measures 20.2 metres (66 ft) in width, and has a span of 189 metres (620 ft).[9]

Waterway

At zero tide, the Douglas Bridge is 66.4 feet (20.2 m) above the waterline.[12] A spring Dolly Varden fishery is situated directly beneath the bridge.[13] The bridge forms a "no wake zone" on its north side.[14]

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References
  1. "10th/Egan Intersection". State of Alaska DOT&PF. 2006-09-29. Archived from the original on 20 May 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  2. DuFresne, Jim; Benchwick, Greg; Bodry, Catherine (1 April 2009). Alaska. Lonely Planet. pp. 164–. ISBN 978-1-74104-762-2. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  3. Howard, Jim; Howard, James (1 May 1999). Guide to Sea Kayaking in Southeast Alaska: The Best Day Trips and Tours from Misty Fjords to Glacier Bay. Globe Pequot Press. pp. 82–. ISBN 978-0-7627-0409-5. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  4. Dauenhauer, Nora; Dauenhauer, Richard (1987). Haa shuká, our ancestors: Tlingit oral narratives. University of Washington Press. pp. 474–. ISBN 978-0-295-96495-9. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  5. "Juneau-Douglas Bridge - demolished (1981)". structurae.de. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  6. Walter Hartman Hodge (photographer). "J.D. Bridge, June 1". Alaska's Digital Archives. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  7. Haycox, Stephen (2006). Alaska: An American Colony. University of Washington Press. p. 249. ISBN 978-0-295-98629-6. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  8. "Celebration for the opening of the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, Oct. 13, 1935". Alaska's Digital Archives. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  9. "Structures / Douglas Bridge / Images". Structurae. Retrieved 2011-02-18.
  10. "Douglas bridges, old and new, side by side, ca. 1981". Alaska's Digital Archives. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  11. "North Douglas Crossing of Gastineau Channel". juneau.org. City and Borough of Juneau. April 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  12. "Juneau Docks and Harbors". City and Borough of Juneau. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  13. Haugen, Scott; Busch, Dan (November 2003). Flyfisher's Guide to Alaska. Wilderness Adventures Press. pp. 304–. ISBN 978-1-932098-02-0. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  14. Hartle, J.W. (2006). "ORDINANCE OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, ALASKA Serial No. 2006-25" (PDF). City and Borough of Juneau. p. 1. Retrieved 27 February 2011.

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