The University of Texas at Arlington
Cooper Street Bridges Revitalization

Owner: The University of Texas at Arlington
Architect: BRW Architects

 

The two 100-foot pedestrian bridges spanning the main six-lane Cooper Street thoroughfare at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and connecting the east and west sides of the campus are a well-known landmark. Using the design-build delivery method, UTA enlisted SpawGlass-North Texas, working alongside BRW Architects, to revitalize the passageways and provide a prominent and welcoming entrance to the campus.

 

The revitalization project included lead paint abatement, steel priming and painting, and removal and replacement of guardrails with powder-coated steel panels. Custom perforated panels adorned with images of horses – representing the UTA Mavericks – were installed to add an artistic element to the functional design of the bridges. Existing steel components, including beams and support columns with a total surface area of about 2,000 square feet, were treated with corrosion-resistant primers and paints to ensure longevity and structural integrity.

 

A unique aspect of this project was the involvement of UTA’s Architecture and Engineering students. A competition was held among teams of student designers to select the artwork that would be incorporated into the final design. UTA brought in the winning team of students to present their design to the project team and to observe early planning meetings. This initiative provided the students with a real-world glimpse into the implementation of their design, teaching them the process and details of a design-build construction project, including the involvement of stakeholders, special safety procedures, budgets and the logistics of material procurement.

 

Utilizing the design-build method, the preconstruction team worked in tandem with BRW Architects. This cooperative approach allowed for the integration of constructability input during the design phase, resulting in more pragmatic and cost-effective solutions. Early discussions ensured all new materials could be retrofitted to the existing structure, leading to savings in both cost and schedule. Project Manager McKenna Rook expressed her enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “Using design-build means really working as a team to plan and build the project. It was a rewarding experience to be part of the design process, from preconstruction to finish-out.”

 

Ensuring ADA accessibility across Cooper Street throughout the construction period was a significant challenge. The team coordinated with UTA and implemented strategic scheduling to keep one of the bridges operational at all times. Managing road closures with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) added another layer of complexity. TxDOT mandated that work be performed between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and permitted only four of Cooper Street’s six lanes to be closed at a time. The team developed multiple traffic control plans to minimize disruptions, with personnel onsite to remove and replace barriers each morning and night and monitor safety conditions around the clock.

 

The dedication and passion of the team were evident throughout the project. Superintendent Brett Fast and Project Safety Manager Carlos Martinez were onsite full-time at night along with subcontractors, ensuring seamless communication between the client, daytime project management and overnight crews. The team exemplified living teamwork through constant communication and coordination, ensuring a safe jobsite and a successful outcome.

 

The Cooper Street Bridges Revitalization project highlights UTA’s dedication to improving campus infrastructure while providing practical learning experiences for its students, symbolizing the university’s spirit of innovation, collaboration and connection. Every step taken across these renewed bridges demonstrates what can be achieved when education, design and construction come together – creating a lasting impact on the campus and the community.