Hello and welcome to the Sundial Bridge a world-famous pedestrian bridge and public art installation that crosses the Sacramento River in Redding and connects the north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park!  I’m excited to guide you through this architectural marvel. Let’s start our adventure at Domke Plaza.

We’re starting at Domke Plaza, a space dedicated to enhancing your visit and honoring community leaders Don and Doreeta Domke. This area was a gift from the McConnell Foundation, which has played a crucial role in the development of Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the Sundial Bridge. The central sculpture here was designed by the bridge’s architect, Dr. Santiago Calatrava, and gifted by him to the McConnell Foundation. With around 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually, this bridge is not only a functional crossing but a beloved community landmark. It opened on July 4, 2004, after a monumental 4.5-year construction period filled with engineering challenges and a budget that grew from $3.1 million to $23.5 million.

Now, let’s head North onto the bridge and explore its wonders!

As we stand at the south end of the bridge, take a look down at these expansion joints. They are crucial for allowing the bridge to expand and contract with temperature changes, which is about 3 inches over a 60°F swing. This is necessary because the bridge’s structure, including the deck, cables, and pylon, experiences significant stress due to temperature fluctuations. Notice the steel and glass construction here—this is where the Sundial Bridge truly shines. The bridge's 700-foot deck comprises 2,240 green translucent glass panels and 280 granite strips. The panels are bonded with a special adhesive and are designed for durability but cannot handle the Redding heat! The glue softens during the day and re-solidifies throughout the evening, leaving some evidence of delamination issues. The deck is divided into 18 sections, each varying in weight from 40,000 to 70,000 pounds. The cables are attached peculiarly, leading to interesting deflections and rotations in the structure, which were meticulously accounted for during construction. The result is a bridge that’s not only functional but also visually striking.

Now, we’re crossing the Sacramento River, which originates at Mount Shasta and flows south for 377 miles before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Look to the west and you’ll see the remains of the longest conveyor belt in the world, used during the construction of Shasta Dam. The bridge’s design was influenced by environmental concerns, particularly regarding salmon spawning. By spanning the river without touching the water, the Sundial Bridge preserves the natural habitat and adds a striking feature to the landscape.

As you move to the North end of the bridge feel the cables. They’re made from Zeloc®, designed to resist corrosion and handle the bridge’s load. Try listening to a cable sing by placing on ear to the cable and tapping it gently—it's a unique way to experience the bridge’s dynamic structure!

Let’s move to the towering pylon, the iconic element of the Sundial Bridge. Standing 217 feet tall, this pylon is a marvel of engineering, made up of 1,500 welded steel plates and reinforced with an additional 145 tons of steel. As you look up, you can see the intricate design that allows it to support the bridge’s weight. The pylon’s unique shape and its function as a sundial are fascinating. While the Sundial Bridge may not be the most accurate sundial globally, it’s one of the largest.

On the Summer Solstice, on or around June 21st, the shadow cast by the pylon marks the time on the raised, tile covered berm clock face, from 11 am until 3pm. It’s a beautiful blend of art and function. The pylon also has practical elements, like the FAA warning lights at the top and the access points for maintenance. It’s a complex structure that underwent meticulous assembly and transport to its current location.

Finally, let’s take a moment to enjoy the plaza beneath the pylon. This area serves as a versatile space for events and offers a unique perspective of the bridge and the Sacramento River. The plaza is adorned with white Spanish cracked tiles, adding a touch of elegance to the bridge. These tiles, which number over 1.3 million pieces in total, were painstakingly applied just before the bridge’s opening. Dr. Calatrava was deeply moved by the craftsmanship, comparing it to religious mosaics he had seen.

At night, the bridge transforms into a magical sight with LED lights illuminating the structure. If you haven’t seen it after dark, it’s definitely worth a visit to experience its ethereal beauty.

Thanks for joining me on this tour of the Sundial Bridge. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this remarkable landmark. Enjoy the rest of your time at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and continue to explore the beauty and innovation around you!