Recent sightings: Rest in pieces

Construction workers use heavy equipment to demolish an aging pedestrian bridge spanning University Avenue between the Mosse Humanities Building, foreground, and Vilas Hall on Aug. 12. Photos by Jeff Miller.

The bridge, built in 1971, was becoming dangerously deteriorated and the estimated $1.5 million cost of replacement was deemed prohibitive.

A worker sprays water to control dust as chunks of the bridge tumble onto the closed street.

Onlookers gather behind a Vilas Hall railing to witness the bridge’s final moments.

Debris covers the street below as the remains of the bridge are reduced to rubble.

Passersby get a last glimpse of the bridge before it fell …

… and after.