We define a legacy project as one that makes a positive impact not only beyond our time on the project but beyond our time on the planet. The effort to strengthen the Bay Bridge fit this description nicely.

Brains, brawn and beauty permeate the new and improved Bay Bridge. The 75-year-old western side of the bridge has been made significantly stronger. The new east span is an engineering marvel that is packed with seismic innovations. And the beauty? It’s a sexy piece of architecture.

Words Pictures Ideas was first brought onto this project to create some clear maps illustrating upcoming detours. Caltrans, seeing the power of good design, kept us involved, and our role in the project grew.

As the project’s communications specialists, WPI developed and maintained the project website BayBridgeInfo.org. The image and video showcase BayBridge360.org was honored with a 2009 Webby Award for best Government website. Our five word acceptance speech: “Making infrastructure sexy. Oh yeah.” (It helps if you pretend that Barry White is saying it!)

WPI also developed the “Media Bar” — an online resource for the news media and journalists — that offers downloadable broadcast- and print-quality videos and images of the project.