Appendix 15. Bridge Support Structure and Services.  


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  • (a)

    Bridge support structures that support the skyway at either end should be contained within the terminus buildings or incorporated into the design of pedestrian ways or sidewalks. If the support structures are to be located within the right-of-way, then the developer shall first obtain an encroachment permit or shall abandon the right-of-way (at the city's discretion) and shall replace the lost right-of-way at a 1:1 ratio for the entire support structure, including footings. The right-of-way replacement shall be located on the same street frontage as the skyway. Ideally, the support structures will be offset with an area for a wider sidewalk and/or space for a porte cochere. In any case, additional public space should be designed so that it will not become unused space that is unattractive to pedestrians.

    (b)

    Within the Downtown Railroad Corridor, the design review committee shall determine the appropriate proportion of right-of-way encroachment to replacement of public space in lieu of the ratio of 1:1 of required right-of-way encroachment to right-of-way replacement.

    (c)

    Skyway support structures shall be screened and shielded from view unless they are integral to the design. The design of support structures should be architecturally stimulating and comprised of architectural columns or public art, for example.

    (d)

    Bridge services are defined as those electrical and mechanical systems that exhaust airborne pollutants and provide electrical service to exterior lights necessary for safe passage below the skyway. If necessary, mechanical ventilation of the area below skyway shall be installed. A carbon monoxide control system shall be required, unless the designer can demonstrate through studies or tests that carbon monoxide will not be a hazard. Ventilation and lighting of the public space covered by skyways shall be powered and metered independently so as to provide for continuous service to the public at large. Skyways must not interfere or impair use of the public right-of-way by existing or proposed communication and utility facilities.

    (e)

    Skyways shall be designed to meet all streetlight and traffic signal requirements and the right-of-way beneath the skyway shall be designed so that traffic is not impeded. In order to minimize accumulated exhaust, buses, taxis and delivery vehicles will not be permitted to idle beneath skyways.

    (f)

    Roof drainage systems shall provide year-round continuous drainage to adjoining building systems or to the storm sewer and shall operate independent of the operation of the attached buildings.