the idea back in February.
Remember TriMet’s idea to turn the bikeway on their forthcoming Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Bridge into a sonic piece of public art?
While TriMet says their public art advisory committee was “intrigued” by the concept, they weren’t ready to pull the trigger due to its price tag of over $200,000.
The idea, which was presented to the City of Portland’s Bicycle Advisory Committee back in February, was to add grooves in the pavement that, when rolled over with bicycle tires, would create a tune. While the “budget reality” wasn’t music to their ears, the committee also cited “unresolved technical issues and potential safety risks” as factors in their decision.
Read a letter sent this morning to the BAC from TriMet Public Art Manager Mary Priester below:
October 6, 2011
Dear Bicycle Advisory Committee:
I am sorry to inform you that the PMLR Art Advisory Committee voted at their last meeting not to procede with the Sonic Bike Path. They made their decision based primarily on recently received estimates for the project, which totaled over $200,000. The cost for the fabrication and installation of the mock-up alone came in at $30,000.
This project was originally conceived as an infrastructure project and was not included as a line item in the art budget. The committee was legitimately intrigued, but once presented with the budget reality, did not consider it a priority for their limited funds. Unresolved technical issues and potential safety risks were additional factors in the committee’s decision not to proceed with the proposal.
Staff and committee appreciated the opportunity to present the Sonic Bike Path to the BAC and were gratified by your support. If you have any questions regarding the decision, I would be happy to answer them by attending a meeting or answering emails.
With regards,
Mary Priester
TriMet Public Art Manager