Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge
Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge

Redding, California, USA
Crosses the Sacramento River
1999 - ?

About the Bridge

The Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge crosses the Sacramento River in Redding, California.  Currently under construction, the bridge is scheduled for completion in Summer of 2004.  The bridge connects the north and south areas of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and serves as a starting point for Redding's Sacramento River Trail system.

Using cantilevering methods now familiar to Calatrava fans, the bridge will cross the river withouth the need for support structures in the water.  In this way, aquatic life will remain undisturbed.  This concept is of such importance for this project that the bridge is being built parallel to the river, and only when it extends its full length will it be swung out to be connected to the supports on the other bank.

The mast angles to the north, and will act as a sundial that can be read at the north end of the bridge.  The bridge's deck uses structural glass, a material used by Calatrava in several other bridges.

Official Web Page

Bridge Dimensions

Length: 700 ft (213.4 m)
Width: 23 ft (7.0 m)
Pylon Height: 217 ft (66.1 m)

Comments

Sundial Bridge
I had the pleasure of visiting this magnificent structure in late August 2004 with a professional tour guide educational group from San Francisco (ITMI) and we were the first to enjoy a night-time catered dinner under the beautifully lighted bridge! Also it is my understanding that the bridge was constructed without supports in the water because the river at that site is a spawning ground for fish and the bridge spans a park and museums that celebrate the environment and nature.

Started by Judith Randall
11 Nov 2004 at 9:32 PM

Sundial Bridge
My husband was one of the many Ironworkers who helped build this bridge and as it stands today and looks over the Sacramento River, while becoming a landmark for the Redding area, it will always be a testimony to our children. Our son went to the top of the structure while his daddy was helping build it and that memory will remain a treasured moment forever. And now, as we look forward to attending the ceremony on the Fourth of July, the meaning of the bridge will be different for everyone....the beauty of the bridge imprinted on the area, the genius of the man who created it, the dedication and sweat of the men who worked hard to complete it and the words from our children....My Daddy built that....

Started by Cheryl Bristow
28 Jun 2004 at 8:37 AM

Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge
I love the beauty of this bridge and look forward to seeing it in person. I hope to attend the opening festivities. Please keep me posted.

Started by AnMari Ericsson
26 Jun 2004 at 3:43 PM

New exhibition about Sundial Bridge
Turtle Bay Exploration Park is coordinating an exhibition about the building of the Sundial Bridge. It will be open from 1 May 2004 through 16 January 2005. Public comments about the bridge will be included in the show. If you would like to make a comment for inclusion, please do so, and include a sentence in your message granting us permission to use it. Ribbon-cutting for the bridge itself will occur on 4 July 2004.

Started by Robyn Peterson
19 Mar 2004 at 3:02 PM

Watching
I have been so excited to follow the construction of our Calatrava Bridge here in Redding. Even seeing the parts on the ground waiting to be put together like a giant puzzle is great. I am waiting for the wonderful day I can walk across it!

Started by B. V. Rebard
13 Jul 2003 at 8:13 PM
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