Location: Willamette River, Eugene, Oregon

Date: 1970

Architect: OBEC Consulting Engineers

Alternative titles: David and Lynn Frohnmayer Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge; Autzen Footbridge; Frohnmayer Footbridge

DESCRIPTION

Access to Autzen Stadium from the UO campus was greatly enhanced in 1970 when this footbridge, designed by OBEC Consulting Engineers, was created to span the Willamette. The footbridge opened on October 17, 1970 for pedestrians attending the UO's football game against the University of Idaho. Initially, access to the bridge only coincided with events at Autzen Stadium because users has to cross the railroad tracks owned by the Southern Pacific Co. In 1972, a railroad underpass was created to facilitate full-time access to the bridge for both pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge, known as Autzen Footbridge, was renamed by the City of Eugene in September 2009 in honor of UO president Dave Frohnmayer and his wife.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Footbridge-steam line scheme revived by UO," Eugene Register-Guard, 23 Jan. 1970: 9B

"Construction of Willamette footbridge set to begin," Eugene Register-Guard, 14 June 1970: 2E

"Footbridge across river to be ready by Oct. 3," Eugene Register-Guard, 13 Sep. 1970: 1D

"Footbridge ready for football fans," Eugene Register-Guard, 16 Oct. 1970, 1A

"Footbridge users warned of problems on way to stadium," Eugene Register-Guard, 16 Oct. 1970: 1B

"Footbridge Ready For Game," Oregon Daily Emerald, 16 Oct. 1970: 1. 1

"Boxcars block it, bikes banned, but new footbridge big hit," Eugene Register-Guard, 18 Oct. 1970: 1A

"U of O official says bikes can use bridge," Eugene Register-Guard, 23 Oct. 1970: 6A

"Full-time footbridge operation considered," Oregon Daily Emerald, 28 May, 1971:3

"Officials agree underpass necessary," Oregon Daily Emerald, 26 Aug. 1971: 2

"Council approves bridge underpass," Oregon Daily Emerald, 18 Nov. 1971: 6

"Underpass construction starts Friday," Eugene Register-Guard, 4 May 1972: 1A

"Access to Autzen permanent," Oregon Daily Emerald, 19 June, 1972: II: 13

"New underpass completed," Oregon Daily Emerald, 28, June 1972: 1