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Federal Highway Administration
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Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


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Category 5 - Structures Costing $10 Million or More

Honorable Mention

Interstate 280, Veterans' Glass City Skyway
Toledo, Ohio

Reflecting in the Maumee River, the Veterans' Glass Skyway has changed Toledo’s skyline, while addressing I-280 vehicular and river congestion. Interstate traffic now moves freely, high above the river, unfettered by the bascule bridge.Unidirectional cantilever erection, precast concrete delta frames and an innovation cable stay cradle system allowed for rapid construction of the main span. In this image, it is evident where glass will be installed on the upper 196’ of the pylons.Energy efficient LED lights behind the pylon glass are programmed to provide displays that vary with the seasons and holidays. The flag display is shown on Fourth of July, 9/11 and Veterans’ Day.

The I-280 Veterans' Glass City Skyway over the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio, incorporates unique structural and aesthetic features reflecting Toledo’s heritage as a leader in the glass manufacturing industry. The purpose of this project was to move I-280 traffic from the bascule bridge to a new high-level bridge, improve safety for the Interstate and local traffic, and maintain Maumee River traffic in the Port of Toledo. The l,525-foot long cable-stayed main span unit features a 440-foot tall single pylon, with the upper 196 feet faced in glass on all four sides. This was one of the first two installations of a new cradle system developed for cablestayed bridges. The bridge also is the first in the world to utilize stainless steel cable-stay, sheathing, and internally lit glass pylon, and has the largest stays with 156 strands.

Designer: FIGG, Tallahassee, FL
Contractor: Fru-Con, Toledo, OH
Owner: Ohio DOT, District #2, Bowling Green, OH

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Updated: 06/27/2017
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000