Safety

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As we design the bridge, we’re using a multi-disciplinary approach called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED strategies aim to deter crime and are based on the idea that people’s behavior in an urban environment is influenced by the environment’s design.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

CPTED strategies include:

Providing ample lighting to avoid blind spots
Maximizing sight distance and visibility
Using materials that promote easy maintenance of aesthetic and functional qualities

For example, you’ll find the Northgate Bridge has excellent lines of sight—both across the bridge from end to end and from the bridge when you look down and around at your surroundings. The revised bridge design provides a more open, less enclosed space, as well as less surface area for vandalism. A 10-foot-tall cable net throw barrier will prevent people from climbing or throwing things over the portion of the bridge above I-5. Finally, lighting across the length of the bridge should make it comfortable if you’re crossing at night.

Providing space for all users

The bridge width is also an important safety consideration. The revised bridge is 16 feet wide, providing more than enough space for all modes in both directions. State code requires 10 feet width, with 2 feet on each side as buffers.