Artist James Carpenter was commissioned by Saint Paul Public Works to lead design of this significant crossing of the Mississippi River.  His compelling proposal for a V-Mast cable-stayed bridge sparked a lively civic dialogue and renewed interest in the city’s downtown riverfront. 

Carpenter’s gossamer bridge, lauded as one of the best urban design projects in America in 1993, was never realized.   However, the artist’s hand is evident in the new bridge’s mid-river bend, split deck, and connection to Raspberry Island.