Connecting The Campus With Purpose
A Signature Pedestrian Bridge For Elizabethtown College
In 2014, Elizabethtown College set out to enhance a beloved part of its landscape--Lake Placida. At the heart of the transformation was a new campus pedestrian bridge, offering safe passage over the lake's dam while strengthening the college's connection to nature, safety, and sustainable design.
A Bridge That Blends Safety & Serenity
This YBC constructed pedestrian bridge serves as more than a passage--it's a thoughtful response to community needs and environmental responsibility. Providing safe, year-round crossing over the dam at Lake Placida, the bridge brings function and beauty together in perfect balance.
Photo Courtesy of Pennlive.com
Lake Placida at Elizabethtown College: A Campus Landmark Reimagined
Long a scenic and social centerpiece for students and faculty, Lake Placida is deeply tied to the identity of Elizabethtown College. Over time, sediment buildup and ecological changes challenged its health. When Tropical Storm Lee struck in 2011, it revealed vulnerabilities in the aging dam, prompting urgent action. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection called for a complete upgrade, leading to a broader campus-wide effort to restore and protect the lake--and build a safe, permanent campus pedestrian bridge.
Specification
- Width
- 8.5'
- Length
- 128'
- Height
- 8" Elevated on Dam
- Capacity
- 90PSF
- Span Type
- Repetitive
- Material
- CCA/CA-C Treated Yellow Pine
- Foundation
- On Dam
- Stringers
- Timber Piles on Concrete Dam
- Deck System
- 2" Textured Polymer Acrylic Deck
- Handrail
- Classic Picket Series
- Crossing
- Over Dam
Key Project Goals: Restore, Protect, & Connect
The Lake Placida restoration plan began in earnest in Spring of 2012 with four key objectives:
- Strengthen Infrastructure: Rebuild the dam to comply with state safety standards and improve long-term resilience.
- Restore Depth & Flow: Dredge years of sediment buildup to revive the lake's natural hydrology.
- Revive Local Ecology: Remove invasive species and introduce native aquatic life to support biodiversity.
- Improve Campus Access: Design and construct a beautiful, accessible campus pedestrian bridge over the dam.
A campus Pedestrian Bridge Designed To Complement & Endure
This campus pedestrian bridge was designed in harmony with its surroundings. With York Bridge Concepts at the helm, the bridge was engineered to uphold modern standards while honoring the tranquil natural setting of Lake Placida.
Features of the Elizabethtown College Pedestrian Bridge:
- Visual Harmony: Built with natural tones and materials that integrate with the lakefront and dam.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Engineered with sustainable materials designed to resist weather and time.
- ADA-Compliant Access: Fully accessible to all users, the bridge invites inclusive movement across campus
A Living Lab: Where Learning Meets The Landscape
Image courtesy of Google
The bridge's impact extends beyond its structure--it has become an outdoor classroom and a point of inspiration
- Ecology in Action: Students studying environmental science, biology, and sustainability now use the lakefront as a case study in living systems.
- Art & Reflection: Writers, painters, and musicians often draw inspiration from the bridge's peaceful setting.
- Campus Tours & First Impressions: Prospective students and visitors often experience the bridge as a welcoming gateway to the college's values.
Elevating Campus Connectivity
For years, the dam was a barrier--both functionally and symbolically--dividing parts of the campus. Today, the campus pedestrian bridge links trails, walkways, and academic buildings, creating a seamless, walkable experience. If connects the heart of campus with the surrounding nature, fostering a stronger relationship between people and place.
Environmental Impact That Lasts
The bridge was just one component of a broader effort to improve the health of Lake Placida and its surroundings:
- Native Species Restoration: Fish, plants, and birds native to the region have returned
- Stormwater Management: The improved dam and bridge help manage overflow and runoff more effectively.
- Sustainable Materials: Sustainable construction from York Bridge Concepts aligned with the college's sustainability goals.
A Bridge Embraced by The Elizabethtown Community
The response from the Elizabethtown College community has been overwhelmingly positive. Students gather here for group photos, quiet reflection, and quick walks to class. Faculty have integrated the location into their curricula. Visitors and alumni admire the bridge for its craftsmanship and contribution to the campus's ongoing evolution.
Symbol of A Forward-Thinking Campus
The campus pedestrian bridge at Elizabethtown College is more than a crossing. It's a symbol of progress, community, and commitment to the environment. York Bridge Concepts was proud to help create a structure that embodies strength, safety, and serenity for generations to come.