THE BAY LINE VISION
Architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello have a vision. While the Metropolitan Transit Commission plans to tear down the 73-year old eastern span of the Bay Bridge and replace it with a new bridge, Rael and San Fratello ask the question: What could be done to the old bridge if it were left standing?
Once the bridge is no longer needed as a major transit throughway, they suggest retrofitting the bridge for seismic safety and using 1.9 miles of the historic bridge to create a massive public park, housing and entertainment. Here, Rael discusses the plan that has spawned a grassroots movement to save the old span from demolition.
We invite you to learn more about the project and join the conversation by posting a comment below.
Download a PDF of the Bay Line Proposal.
ESTIMATED COSTS
653,400 sq. feet: Park activities $200/sf: $131 million980,100 sq. feet: Housing/commercial $400/sf: $392 million
Seismic retrofit of the Bay Bridge: $200 million
Total Cost of Construction for Bay Line: $723 million
RAEL & SAN FRATELLO'S VISION FOR THE BAY LINE
Rendering of Bay Line Project
The Bay Line Gardens
An Orchard on the Bay Line
A Swimming Pool on the Bay Line
Tennis Courts on the Bay Line
A Theater on the Bay Line
A Theater on the Bay LineEXAMPLES OF BRIDGE LIVING AND PARKS
Living on a bridge isn't a far-fetched idea. People have been doing it for hundreds of years. Elevated and linear parks already exist, as well—with many more in development. Check out examples of bridge living and other linear parks around the world using the interactive map below.
View Bridge Living and Linear Parks in a larger map
One Comment
This isn’t exactly the kind of park you’d play Frisbee with your dog though. One wild throw and you’ll be looking for a new dog!
But seriously, if it was financially feasible to retrofit the bridge with hundreds of thousands of $4 tolls each day, how is it going to be financially viable to spend that money to retrofit it for parks and living space?
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