Public input sought for new Carlin Springs bridge design

As reported in my post from December, Arlington County will be replacing the bridge on Carlin Springs Drive where it crosses over N. George Mason Drive (map).  The bridge will be widened slightly, and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will be included.

The County is now soliciting public input for the aesthetic design of the bridge.

Four potential bridge designs for new Carlin Springs bridge

There will be a public meeting to present design options and receive public input.  That meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 26 at Lubber Run Center (pdf flier).

There is also an on-line survey in which the public may state their preferences for the various designs (click here for survey).

The renderings shown in the above graphic and in the survey are shown without any neighborhood context.  I believe it would be helpful to also see some renderings from farther away that include the nearby homes.  I voted for using brick because I thought it would be more consistent with the homes in the area, but it was difficult for me to conceptualize without being able to see a broader perspective.  I did not like the profile shown with the brick bridge above, though; I like the arched opening better.  The survey allows you to specify what you like and dislike about each design.  The final design could be an amalgam of design elements from each of these.

Other than the lack of larger perspective, I think it is great that the County is asking for the community's opinions about this long-lived piece of infrastructure.