Overpass Art

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A series of colorful steel sandhill cranes in different stages of flight have been installed on screening along the overpasses located in downtown Ridgefield and at the Ridgefield exit on I-5. 

This artwork, created by APHIDOIDEA and Jason Saunders, serves to visually connect downtown Ridgefield with the growing Ridgefield junction area along the interstate and serves as a unique landmark for those traveling past Ridgefield by car on I-5 and in Downtown.

Cranes installed on the Rail Overpass in Downtown Ridgefield.

Cranes and safety screens installed on the I-5 Overpass at the Ridgefield Junction.Cranes and safety screens installed on the I-5 Overpass at the Ridgefield Junction.


Project Background


In 2019, WSDOT provided $20,000 for the overpass safety screen design. In 2021, the Pioneer Street Rail Overpass was completed and opened. The overpass created a safe crossing between the downtown and waterfront or vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Safety screens were included in the construction of the overpass. Financial support for this project also includes a $328,300 Washington State Capital Grant for construction authorized in 2021 and a grant from the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation specifically for the placemaking artwork.

In 2022, the City Council approved the project and the budget for the project and the City sought out qualified public artists interested in being considered for the project, and able develop a future proposal for the artwork. After review, qualified artists were invited to submit a proposal for art to be attached to screens at both overpasses.

The submitted proposals were reviewed by Council at the regular Council Meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Council selected a proposal with some adjustments. The selected design, created by APHIDOIDEA and Jason Saunders, features sandhill cranes connected to the screens as if they are flying across the length of the overpass.

This project was completed in May 2025.

A series of colorful steel sandhill cranes in different stages of flight have been installed on screening along the overpasses located in downtown Ridgefield and at the Ridgefield exit on I-5. 

This artwork, created by APHIDOIDEA and Jason Saunders, serves to visually connect downtown Ridgefield with the growing Ridgefield junction area along the interstate and serves as a unique landmark for those traveling past Ridgefield by car on I-5 and in Downtown.

Cranes installed on the Rail Overpass in Downtown Ridgefield.

Cranes and safety screens installed on the I-5 Overpass at the Ridgefield Junction.Cranes and safety screens installed on the I-5 Overpass at the Ridgefield Junction.


Project Background


In 2019, WSDOT provided $20,000 for the overpass safety screen design. In 2021, the Pioneer Street Rail Overpass was completed and opened. The overpass created a safe crossing between the downtown and waterfront or vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Safety screens were included in the construction of the overpass. Financial support for this project also includes a $328,300 Washington State Capital Grant for construction authorized in 2021 and a grant from the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation specifically for the placemaking artwork.

In 2022, the City Council approved the project and the budget for the project and the City sought out qualified public artists interested in being considered for the project, and able develop a future proposal for the artwork. After review, qualified artists were invited to submit a proposal for art to be attached to screens at both overpasses.

The submitted proposals were reviewed by Council at the regular Council Meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Council selected a proposal with some adjustments. The selected design, created by APHIDOIDEA and Jason Saunders, features sandhill cranes connected to the screens as if they are flying across the length of the overpass.

This project was completed in May 2025.

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Hi there! Any update on this project? Last time I followed up, I was told hopefully the art would be installed by the end of 2024. Thanks!

Erinmarie92692 10 months ago
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