Redmond Technology Station Pedestrian Bridge Water Diverters

SITU Fabrication played a crucial role as the fabricator of the water diverters in the development of the Redmond Technology Station (RTS) Pedestrian Bridge, a new project that enhances urban mobility and showcases our commitment to sustainable design solutions.

Client

Microsoft

Architect

AECOM, FTL

Construction

Kiewit, HNTB

Location

Redmond, WA

Completion

2024

Photography

Ben Jenkins, SITU

Nestled in the center of Redmond, WA, on the Microsoft Campus, the RTS Pedestrian Bridge displays forward-thinking urban planning and design. Completed in March 2024, this 1,100-foot-long bridge spans across State Route 520 and local streets, seamlessly connecting the east and west halves of Microsoft’s 500-acre campus and providing a vital link to Sound Transit’s light rail station. Designed by AECOM and FTL, constructed by Kiewit and HNTB, and commissioned by Microsoft, the bridge provides a covered, weather-protected route for pedestrians and cyclists, integrating public seating and an abundance of greenery.

Our contribution to this project centered on the fabrication of eight custom water diverters. These essential components play a critical role in the bridge's design, ensuring that rainwater is effectively channeled away from the canopy, through the diverters, and into the planters below.

Leveraging our expertise in high tolerance fabrication, waterjet cut and rolled stainless steel sheets were welded into 8-foot wide circular gutters. Each gutter was outfitted with eight downward-bending spouts, guiding the water to its intended destination. A robust two-part high-build paint finish was coated in-house so that the water diverters would match the rest of the canopy structure.

A helpful addition to the diverters was integrating LED light rings within the downspouts. These lights illuminate the bridge at night, contributing to the pedestrian path's safety and visual appeal.

One of the challenges we encountered was ensuring the diverters not only performed their intended function but also matched the bridge's architectural vision. Through a collaborative mock-up phase and rigorous testing with partners and stakeholders, we refined our techniques to achieve a seamless blend of utility and design.

The ability to remove the downspouts for cleaning and maintenance ensures the system's longevity, highlighting our push to provide practical, sustainable solutions.

The RTS Pedestrian Bridge, with its water diverters, promotes eco-friendly transportation and enhances the connectivity of Microsoft's campus and public transit systems. Our work on this project underscores SITU Fabrication's technical prowess and dedication to contributing positively to the built environment.