North Torrey Pines Road Bridge

San Diego, CA

The North Torrey Pines Road Bridge replaces a 1930s-era structure deemed to be structurally and seismically inadequate, and environmentally harmful due to poor tidal flushing. The new design; a hunched, 3-span, cast-in-place, pre-stressed box girder with only 4 columns, allows for natural tidal flushing and incorporates elements from the surrounding sandstone formations. Other improvements include ADA access ramps to the beach, a 7′ wide sidewalk, two bike lanes, two bus turnouts and new storm water controls to prevent car pollutants from entering the lagoon. The graceful convex creates a Gothic arch shape that serves as a gateway to the public beach while subtly referencing an adjacent bridge over the railway to the north.

In collaboration with T.Y. Lin International

Client: City of San Diego, CA
Completion: 2005
Size: 340' long
  • California Construction Magazine
  • California Transportation Foundation
  • California Department of Transportation (CalTrans)
  • American Public Works Association
  • American Road & Transportation Builders Association
  • American Council of Engineering Companies
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • American Public Works Association San Diego
  • American Concrete Institute