On the Waterfront

The bridge, which spans 180 feet across Pleasant Street/U.S. Highway 51 just north of the Sports Center, was lifted into place by cranes in early June. The dramatic scene involved closing the highway for several days while the bridge arrived by semi-trailers in three large sections. Two giant cranes moved the pieces so workers could connect two of them before the third and final part was lifted and attached. The bridge, manufactured over the winter from weathered steel, features wooden decking, a corrugated metal roof, and metal mesh side panels, but most importantly it allows access to the building without steps and without crossing busy Highway 51. The bridge links up to a third-floor atrium where stairs and an elevator offer access to the other floors of the new recreation center and student union.

The vast majority of the Powerhouse facility will be open this fall around Thanksgiving, with the turf fieldhouse to follow during the spring semester. A series of Powerhouse celebrations are being planned for the weekend of February 7-9. Stay tuned to Beloit’s website and email for details on the festivities as they become available.