-
Using a large crane, workers lift a section of a pedestrian bridge Tuesday that will link the Volkswagen manufacturing facility with the nearby training center at the Enterprise South industrial park. Staff photo by John Rawlston
Volkswagen's big, signature pedestrian bridge that will link the plant's training center with the main production site is a key symbol for the automaker's Chattanooga work force, an official says.
"The door opens and you start a new life when you cross that bridge," said Steve Leach, the city's public works administrator.
On Tuesday, big pieces of structural steel were set into place for the bridge and guardhouse which will span 850 feet -- or a quarter the length of the Walnut Street Bridge, according to the city's Industrial Development Board.
The bridge, which will be the main plant entrance, is paid for from city, Hamilton County and state funds and part of the incentive package approved for the VW project.
Costing $7.25 million, the steel and glass structure will cross over a stream and one of VW's vehicle test tracks, and it will negotiate a steep change in elevation at the site.
Jill Wilson, vice president of communications and marketing for builder Gray Construction of Lexington, Ky., said bridge completion is slated for April.
FAST FACTS
* Truss-style bridge has a glass curtain wall system and siding.
* About 240 tons of steel are used in the bridge.
* Span will feature decorative arches and in-fill metal
* Bridge will serve as main entrance to the plant
Source: Gray Construction
She said the bridge incorporates ideas generated from Auburn University students who in January 2010 won a design contest among universities.
Leach said while most of the plant's buildings are comparable in appearance, the bridge will stand out.
"Part of the whole VW image will be in the bridge," he said.
Guenther Scherelis, general manager of communication for VW in Chattanooga, said the bridge is the first and last impressions for employees and visitors of the plant.
He termed it "a crucial and a symbolic link between the plant and the public."
Production at the $1 billion plant is slated to start next month on a new midsize Passat sedan.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.
Mike Pare, the deputy Business editor at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, has worked at the paper for 27 years. In addition to editing, Mike also writes Business stories and covers Volkswagen, economic development and manufacturing in Chattanooga and the surrounding area. In the past he also has covered higher education. Mike, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Atlantic University. he worked at the Rome News-Tribune before ...
related articles »
Volkswagen’s top local leaders were talking last week about the pace at which its $1 billion auto assembly plant came ...
Volkswagen officials today officially opened their company’s new Chattanooga plant with the help of the child actor who portrayed Darth ...
Workers today started placing the big structural steel segments for the key pedestrian bridge at Volkswagen’s auto assembly plant in ...
Key work to finish Volkswagen's $1 billion Chattanooga assembly plant is speeding ahead as the automaker drives toward starting production ...
Vw will within two months discover one of the first single-seater vehicles, with the prospective for zero pollutants, the Economical Periods revealed on Friday.
Even if the Bentley Ls Traveling by air Area didn't have a silky-smooth 12-cylinder engines generating 552 power, there would be something unique about it. Mostly, it's the way other individuals cure you. more auto repair more money it gets from the VW.
That is a clever way to make people appreciate the symbolism of this bridge. If people also spend enough time taking care of their car with quality auto repair they can appreciate the benefits of this, too!
Or login with:
New Account