The University announced a proposal this month for a pedestrian bridge over Washington Road connecting Icahn Laboratory with Jadwin Hall and the chemistry building, which will replace the Armory.
The bridge is part of the University's recently released plans for campus development over the next 10 years.
Swiss bridge designer Christian Menn recently submitted a design for a concrete bridge, University architect Jon Hlafter '61 said.
"The Grounds and Buildings Committee of the Board of Trustees has not yet reviewed [the] proposal," Hlafter said, adding there will be "no official release of information about the design until authorized by the Committee."
President Tilghman said in her campus planning speech that the design will be released soon.
According to Hlafter, the bridge will serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. The bridge would reduce pedestrian traffic on Washington Road, serving as a "safe and convenient" connection for those passing between the two sides of the science neighborhood or to Jadwin Gymnasium.
"A second important objective is to create a ... gateway for the Princeton campus and community from the direction of Route 1," Hlafter said.
In her speech, Tilghman made clear that the bridge would have great symbolic value for both the University and Princeton communities, especially since it would span one of the main routes to downtown Princeton.
But not everyone thinks the bridge — first proposed a decade ago — is a good idea.
ORFE professor and Director of the Program in Transportation Alain Kornhauser called the bridge "an absolutely terrible suggestion" that would do nothing to help relive traffic or substantially increase campus aesthetics.
For much of his thirty-three years at the University, Kornhauser has advocated a tunnel to redirect Washington Road's traffic underground, so that the east and west sides of campus would be connected without interruption.
According to Kornhauser, the elevation of the street is perfect for a tunnel. Kornhauser said the tunnel could be built for about $25 million, some of which would be underwritten by the government. "Cost doesn't matter," he added, when the preservation of Princeton's scenic beauty is at stake.
Hlafter declined to comment on the tunnel.
Either project, if pursued, would require approval from Princeton Township and Mercer County. Mayor of Princeton Township Phyllis Marchand said she needed time before she could comment on the bridge.
Read More
GSG approves audit, delays budget approval after ‘insufferable’ meeting
Nikki HanThe final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
The final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
Effort to restore chapel’s pews slowly progresses
Ben GoldstonHead carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Head carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Metals, molecules, and medicine: chemical biology’s influence on health and sustainability
Aanya KaseraChemistry professor Chris Chang’s lab studies the chemical biology of the elements, specifically examining the roles that copper, iron, and zinc play in biology across all kingdoms of life.
Chemistry professor Chris Chang’s lab studies the chemical biology of the elements, specifically examining the roles that copper, iron, and zinc play in biology across all kingdoms of life.