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Drivers passing through Cupertino on I-280 may soon see two soaring white towers framing Mt. Hamilton. The towers are a part of a proposed Mary Avenue bicycle and pedestrian bridge at the juncture of I-280 and Highway 85. Cupertino's city council approved the latest phase of this project—including the bridge's design and funding sources—at its meeting on Feb. 1.
"The footbridge is very elegant and inspired us to think of egrets and white herons common to this area," said Ralph Qualls, Cupertino's director of public works, in recommending the design for approval by the city council.
The council and local residents agreed, voicing their support for the $9,250,000 project scheduled for completion in 2006. The total includes a $2 million increase over an earlier budget proposal—due to the unexpectedly high costs of steel.
"It's beautiful," said Councilwoman Dolly Sandoval. "It's one of the few projects I know of that is ready to roll in the county."
Sunnyvale resident Kevin Jefferson agreed, saying, "it's at the top of the list [in terms of] regional importance.
Sunnyvale's portion of the bridge is limited to residents living on the east side of the span. For that reason, Sunnyvale agreed to pay for some of the cost.
Cupertino will also pay no more than $475,000, according to the terms approved unanimously by the city council. The remainder of the funding will come from state or regional sources.
The funding provides for the construction of the cable bridge over I-280, landscaping and related privacy and security measures. "It's essentially a linear park," said Qualls. The landscaping will stretch 13 acres and include oak and cypress trees to help provide privacy for nearby residents.
The bridge will measure 87 feet from the ground up and will include barriers to prevent residents from dropping things into traffic. The 20 feet width of the span also allows for an emergency vehicle.
Qualls, who also labeled the bridge design as "very cool," stressed the seismic safety of the bridge, given its deep pilings and concrete foundations.
Such safety measures added to the bridge's appeal for Cupertino resident, Deborah Hill. "It's a great project," she said. "It's elegant and safe enough for rainy days and earthquakes. I'm impressed with all the hard work put into it."
Local residents still have a chance to provide their thoughts. Community meetings are scheduled through March of this year. "There will be time to address the council further," Qualls said.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15 at 6:45 p.m. in the community hall, 10350 Torre Ave. For more information visit www.cupertino.org.
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