Capstone Design and Construction Report: Coilolo RIver Pedestrian Bridge; Pedestrian Overpasses and Tunnels: A Controversy among Walkability Advocates

Walking remains the primary mode of personal mobility, but walkers often face barriers of geography or land use. How may such barriers best be mitigated?
In Coilolo, Bolivia, residents must cross the Coilolo River to reach many local destinations. In collaboration with Engineers in Action (EIA), the project team developed a design and construction plan for a pedestrian bridge for the community. The team prepared plans for standard abutments and designed the walkway deck. A construction plan, including excavation requirements, bill of quantities, and construction schedule, was prepared. The completed pedestrian bridge will permit residents to reach their destinations conveniently and safely.
In the United States, walkability advocates are divided over the pedestrian overpasses and underpasses. Proponents of such structures perceive them as pragmatic, realistic responses that promote walkability in car-dominated environments. Critics, however, contend that they constitute a surrender to car domination that perpetuate pedestrians’ marginalization.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Technical Advisor: Jose Gomez
STS Advisor: Peter Norton
Technical Team Members: Sarah Besecky, Glenn Broderick, Katherine Foley, Gabby Ford, Cooper Hamby, Terence Moriarty, Wyatt Yoder