Seattle Blog and Recent Site Additions
February 28, 2012
Walking and Photography at the Helix Pedestrian Bridge
1100 Elliott Avenue West
Interbay
One of Seattle’s most dazzling structures is the Helix Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge was completed in 2003 as part of the massive project to build a research and development complex for Amgen. Amgen constructed this pedestrian bridge to connect Elliott Avenue with the Amgen complex. The bridge spans six sets of railroad tracks.
Inspiration for the bridge came from the double helix of DNA chains. The main arch of the bridge is three feet in diameter and 420 feet long. The two tilted arches are two feet in diameter. The bridge weighs 180 tons and it cost ten million dollars.
The bridge is a distinctive structure. It is a visual treat to follow the twists and turns of the bridge as it soars over the six sets of railroad tracks.
On the Amgen side of the bridge, you can see the Amgen complex, the grain elevators, Elliott Bay and you can walk on the shoreline to get to Myrtle Edwards Park.
For photographers, the bridge is stunning. It is a great photo target during the day and at night.
Photographers and train fans can get really nice views of the substantial train traffic that crosses under the bridge.
You can make a visit to the bridge as part of a larger adventure to see the grain terminal operation, Elliott Bay, and Myrtle Edwards Park.
ACCESS
Metro Bus: A bus can let you out on Elliott Avenue near the bridge.
By Car: There is no immediate parking on the Elliott Avenue area. If you are traveling northwest on Elliott Avenue, take the first right on Elliott just past the 1400 block, but instead of staying right for the Magnolia Bridge and the Cruise Ships, you go left. When you get to the bottom of the bridge across Elliott, turn onto Amgen Drive and follow the RR tracks until you see the small parking lot for Myrtle Edwards Park by the grain elevators.
Walking west. The main bridge arch is on the right.
Walking east
Walking east
The Amgen campus
Viewing southwest
Viewing northwest
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