Downtown Bridges Reconstruction

The City of Des Moines, IA straddles its namesake, the Des Moines River. The river divides the city into distinct halves, connected by a series of bridges. In 1974 the Des Moines City Council held a competition to design a flag for the City. After deliberations, a design featuring an abstract representation of three of the City’s utilitarian yet iconic bridges was selected. In the words of the flag’s designer Walter T. Proctor, “These bridges symbolize the unity of the city otherwise divided.”

When the City proposed replacing these century-old bridges due to structural issues in 2015, they faced significant historical and emotional challenges. While Proctor’s flag had been unceremoniously phased out in 2008, these arched bridges had become an important part of the City’s skyline and identity, not to mention a subject of emotional attachment for residents. 

The initial bridge redesign proposed eliminating their iconic arches and, with them, their sentimental value. This stark Department of Transportation (DOT) design, devoid of the original bridges' symbolic nature, spurred the City Council to seek a solution that would honor the bridges' legacy while maintaining essential functionality, meeting the federal funding requirements, and adhering to the budget. The collaborative effort between the City, Substance Architecture, a team of engineers, and other stakeholders led to a transformative design, incorporating an enclosure system of bent steel panels that evoke the original bridges' arches. This innovative approach not only preserved the symbolic essence of the old structures but also modernized the bridges' utility. The addition of bicycle lanes, streamlined traffic lanes, lighting, and metered parking enhanced their functionality.

The Des Moines Bridges project had a profound impact on the community, with their concerns extending beyond the bridges’ functional roles as transit routes and into the identity they symbolize. The redesign has become a symbol of the City's resilience and adaptability, sparking a renewed sense of local pride and identity. The successful campaign to reinstate the City’s 1974 flag, inspired by the bridges, highlights their significance as cultural landmarks. These structures now stand as enduring symbols of Des Moines' heritage, unity, and the community’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy while moving forward into a modern urban landscape.

As part of the project, the Substance Architecture-led design team conducted a robust public engagement process involving a diverse group of stakeholders including the Department of Transportation design committee; representatives from the World Food Prize, Des Moines Historical Society, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association; and the public to inform them of the process and garner feedback on the design options. The preferred concept features scalloped metal panels along the sides of the bridge reminiscent of the original arch span. This design, along with strategically placed LED accent lighting, creates a new, signature bridge aesthetic while also satisfying the requirements of efficiency and economy.