Photo courtesy of Svigals + Partners

The two halves of New Britain, separated a decade ago by a highway project, have been reunited by sculpture-lined bridge.

The recently completed “Beehive Bridge,” as it is known, combines valuable structural reinforcement for the highway overpass – by engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill – with public works of art, sidewalks, bike lanes and pocket parks. The result is an active corridor that connects residential, business and entertainment districts while fostering a sense of community and civic pride, according to Svigals + Partners, the architecture and advisory firm.

City officials and project team members will convene on the site this evening for a dedication ceremony to mark the project’s completion.

“The people of New Britain needed more than just simple pedestrian access,” Marissa Mead, director of art integration at Svigals + Partners, said in a statement. “To attempt to re-knit this community required creating an inviting space for pedestrians and cyclists, and a unique place for residents to meet and interact.”

The concept for re-imagining the 265-foot-long overpass borrows from the “beehive” theme of New Britain’s official seal. Colorful translucent panels in honeycomb pattern separate the overpass visually from the highway, while four large-format stainless-steel honeybee sculptures and a large ‘beehive’ installation create an iconic setting. The design also significantly increased the width of the sidewalks across the bridge and incorporates bike lanes and two pocket parks.

Downtown New Britain is one of several areas in Greater Hartford seeing renewed development thanks to its CTfastrak bus rapid transit link to downtown Hartford.