The infamous Oakland Bay Bridge, a section of which collapsed during the 1989 quake, is finally being replaced by a modern structure. Construction is under way on a single-tower suspension bridge that is projected to open to traffic in 2013. This will leave a large chunk of the 1930's-era bridge left with nothing to do but be dismantled....at a cost of some 200-plus million dollars.
A teacher at UC Berkely has a better idea. Inspired by NYC's success with the abandoned High-Line, he assigned his students to come up with some creative alternatives to demolition. An article in todays San Francisco Chronicle presents some of their plans, including the one above which is closest to the NYC approach. Other options included futuristic hotels, housing and even farming. Only in California, folks!
