March 23, 2001 – University of Utah President J. Bernard Machen announced today the construction of a single-pylon bridge with cable-stayed suspension that will span the six lanes of Wasatch Drive that intersects the U campus.

Designed by Parsons Transportation Group, the bridge is one of only a few of its kind in the western United States, and is designed to accommodate foot and bicycle traffic. It will be located near the future light rail station planned as part of the TRAX extension to the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. Bridge construction is scheduled for completion by November 2001.

"It's a matter of safety," said President Machen. "University and community leaders, as well as citizen and student groups, unanimously agree that this bridge is a necessity for the safety and benefit of all concerned."

Funding for the $5 million bridge has come from University institutional funds and donations, including a $2 million gift from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. In recognition of this support, and the philanthropy of the late George Eccles at the U for decades, the bridge will be named the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy Bridge.

"We're especially pleased to provide funding for this bridge to come 'on-line' for the University and the entire community prior to next year's Winter Olympic Games in Utah," said Spencer F. Eccles, president of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. "And we're delighted to see George Eccles recognized in this way. The U was such a big part of his life, he would be particularly excited about creating this important campus connection, particularly for the students."

The 300-foot long bridge will connect the U's main campus with its Health Sciences Center and the new student residential living areas at Fort Douglas Heritage Commons. More than 2,000 university students currently live at Heritage Commons, a number that will increase to 2,500 at full occupancy. Heritage Commons will be home to 4,500 athletes from around the world when it serves as the Olympic Village during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Utah.

"A safe pedestrian pathway between the 'upper and lower' campuses at the U has been needed for many years," said President Machen. "Now, with the safety of thousands of students involved who are living at Heritage Commons, we are grateful to the Eccles Foundation trustees for helping us move this project forward as soon as possible."

To accommodate the 30-foot drop in elevation, the bridge will incorporate a grand staircase on its west plaza which connects to the central east-west axis of the main campus. In addition, the bridge will include an elevator to meet the needs of a variety of users. Campus planners expect the bridge to foster an increase in the use of alternative modes of transportation in the area, especially because of its proximity to the future TRAX station.

"We also expect the beauty and unique design of the bridge to make it a new campus landmark," added Machen.