Confluence Land Bridge

Until last weekend, I'd only seen aerial photos of the Confluence Project - Ft. Vancouver Land Bridge. Now I get to walk across it!!
I parked on the Ft. Vancouver Park side of the bridge. The 'Old Apple Tree Park' resides on the other side of the bridge.

Approaching the bridge on foot is different than looking at an aerial photo of the bridge. On foot, the subtle changes in topography reveal themselves slowly. On the approach, the earth is mostly flat with subtle slopes.

The drab yellow color painted concrete walls of the bridge 'peek' out against the gray skies.

Beyond the slight elevation change, I see a train passing behind the bridge and cars passing in front of the bridge...sort of trippy!

The hardscape materials are a mix of composite decking, a permeable but mostly hardened sandy concrete and square concrete pavers.

 My favorite design element is the curvy steel grate covering a trench in the paving.

On the upper end is a rain collection grate.

On the lower end, rain water is dispersed and pours freely onto a planted hillside.

I also favor the 'feel' of the bridge. The land bridge, feels like 'land' bridge. It feels solid under foot. I felt closer to the land than to the freeway that was 'under my feet'.

Black powder-coated steel fencing and overhead structures provide enclosure as well as highly contrasted views of the winter sky.

The history behind the land bridge and the educational plaques are quite good. The bridge itself left me wanting more. I'd like to see and feel more of a connection between the curvilinear edges of the concrete walls and the landscape. I'd like to experience more of a connection between hardscape materials and history of the place. I'd like the visual experience of the land bridge to feel as solid as walking across the bridge. I'll look forward to a spring and summer visit to experience the changes in light and adjacent plantings.