KSLA has proposed a slightly elevated pathway that cuts down the side of the bluff in a fairly direct path to the train tracks, where a safe track crossing awaits. Lights, bells, and a gate alert visitors to oncoming trains to keep them safe, and a series of signs educate about the environment. The walkway is constructed from FSC-certified redwood and is inspired by the form of a wave.

The Safe Trestles Competition kicked off in February, challenging architects and designers to come up with a way to safely access the famous Trestles beach in Southern California. Currently, over 100,000 people visit the famous surf break and beach each year. To get there, beach goers and surfers park off of the Old Pacific Highway 101, then walk through the wetland area, cross the tracks and then down to the beach. Over the years numerous paths have been cut through the area, disturbing the ecosystem, and it’s incredibly dangerous to cross active train tracks. Trestles beach has been threatened by development over the years and now that it’s finally safe from change, it’s time to make the beach safe to access.

+ Open Architecture Network Safe Trestles Competition

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Super Long Seaside Benc... August 2, 2010 at 12:06 pm

[...] by both a beach boardwalk and a charm bracelet, the Longest Bench meanders and loops like a chain and occasionally encounters [...]