Moonlight Molds supplies bridge-anchoring 'baskets'
The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, with
the help of award-winning public
artist Andrew Leicester, envisioned
the Gold Line Bridge as a memorable
expression of the Arcadia, Calif.,
community—past and present. Part
of this vision included two 25-ft.
tall, 17-ft. wide sculptural "baskets"
anchoring the sides of the landmark
crossing. These baskets pay tribute
to the indigenous people of the San
Gabriel Valley as well as the oversized iconic roadside traditions of
nearby Route 66.
Gardena, Calif.-based Moonlight
Molds fabricated 152 precast pieces
for the project; specifically, 60 precast segments for each woven basket.
Tied together visually by the reliefpattern on the outrigger beam, the
baskets flank the main superstructure.
Each basket has 16 reeds at top,
which range from 2 to 10 ft. in
height. The weave sections are 6-ft.
long and weigh 900 lb. each.
Moonlight Molds formulated a
special mix design by using Raven
black rock, clear glass, gray glass,
mirror glass and a locally sourced
native sand to achieve the color
and "sparkle" desired. A concrete
retarder was used to etch/texture
and expose the aggregate/glass finish. Furthermore, the complex patterns of weaving on the outrigger
beam and ribbed pattern on the superstructure were created using
hand-crafted wood formwork with
rubber formliners. The formwork
acted as a mold into which concrete
was poured. Once removed, the intricate patterns on the surface of
the structures were revealed.
"The Construction Authority is
proud to have created a functional
piece of art that will inspire travelers and commuters for generations
to come," said Doug Tessitor, Construction Authority board chair and
Glendora council member. "The Gold
Line Bridge is representative of the
rich and proud heritage of our region, and it will serve as a landmark
for the San Gabriel Valley."
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PHOTOS: Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority
MARCH 2013 | 23