Overpass Art

Share Overpass Art on Facebook Share Overpass Art on Twitter Share Overpass Art on Linkedin Email Overpass Art link

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.

Comments

Do you have comments on this project? Submit them here. 

All public comments are moderated 24 hours a day seven days a week, for inappropriate language, comments that disrespect other participants, and for comments that are off topic.

All moderation is carried out by Bang the Table and all moderation is independent to the City of Ridgefield. The moderators do not edit or alter any comments and will only remove comments deemed to be significantly off topic, offensive or malicious, in which case they are removed from the site immediately and the person who posted the comment is advised by email. See the moderation policy for more details.


top of the page


CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

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 6 months ago
Cancel x