Beersheva ‘DNA Bridge’ Wins International Award

October 11, 2017 | The Beersheva High-Tech Park Bridge was chosen by a panel of judges to win the long span category at the triannual Footbridge Awards. This bridge, also called the double-helix bridge or DNA bridge, for its unusual design, links Beersheva’s University railway station with the Gav Yam High Tech Park, next to the Ben Gurion University of the Negev. The $25 million bridge opened in January 2016. The bridge, commissioned by the Beersheva municipality, was designed by Bar Orian Architects with Rokach Ashkenazi Engineers taking part as structural engineers. Lighting design was by Orly Avron-Alkabes. The Footbridge Awards 2017, which highlight the best in bridge design, renovation, and lighting for cycling, pedestrian, and equestrian bridges, are presented once every three years. The long span category is for new footbridges with a maximum span greater than 75 meters. Beersheva’s bridge beat out competitors from Canada and New Zealand. Beersheva’s bridge was announced as the winner in the 6th International Footbridge Conference in Berlin. [Photo: Ben Gurion University of the Negev]