You Shall Not Pass...Unless You Know These 7 Bridges of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida: where the sun shines bright, the Spanish moss sways low, and the St. Johns River winds its way through the city like a liquid silver ribbon. But how do you get across that ribbon, you ask? Well, my friend, that's where the legendary Seven Bridges of Jacksonville come in!
These bridges aren't your average overpasses. They're the sturdy muscles that hold the city together, the steel trusses that carry dreams (and maybe a few spilled gas station fountain drinks) from one side of the river to the other.
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So, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a hilarious historical journey (with a few detours for bad puns) across these magnificent bridges.
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| What Are The 7 Bridges Of Jacksonville |
The Grand Seven: A Bridge-tastic Tour
The Main Street Bridge (a.k.a. The Ol' Reliable): This grand dame of Jacksonville bridges is as recognizable as your grandma's meatloaf recipe. Built in 1941, it's seen its fair share of mullet haircuts and tourists with questionable fashion sense, but it never complains (probably because bridges can't talk, but that's beside the point). Fun fact: This bridge is also pedestrian-friendly, so you can walk, jog, or even rollerblade across it (though we recommend against that last one unless you enjoy ending up in the drink).
The Fuller Warren Bridge (a.k.a. The New Kid on the Block): Compared to the others, this bridge is practically a baby, having only opened in 2002. But don't let its youth fool you! This modern marvel boasts a shared-use path, so you can cycle or stroll across it while enjoying the view. Just be sure to dodge the occasional selfie stick.
The St. Elmo W. Acosta Bridge (a.k.a. The Art Deco Dreamboat): This bridge is all about style. Opened in 1921, it oozes Art Deco vibes like a forgotten flapper dress in your attic. It's also one of the few bridges in Jacksonville you can walk across, so take your sweetheart there for a romantic stroll (just don't reenact the end of Titanic, please).
The John E. Mathews Bridge (a.k.a. The Shy One): This bridge isn't much for attention. It gets the job done, carrying vehicles faithfully across the river. But hey, not all heroes wear capes (or in this case, neon lights).
The Henry Holland Buckman Bridge (a.k.a. The Long One): Buckle up, because this bridge is a marathon, not a sprint. At 3 miles long, it's the undisputed king of distance in the Jacksonville bridge scene. Just be sure to pack some snacks for the journey – you might get hungry halfway across!
The Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge (a.k.a. The Cable Guy): This bridge is all about holding things together – literally. It's a cable-stayed bridge, which means it uses giant cables to keep itself from collapsing (like that wobbly IKEA bookshelf you keep meaning to fix).
The Dames Point Bridge (a.k.a. The Guardian of the East): This bridge is the first one you see when you enter Jacksonville from the Atlantic Ocean. It's like the bouncer of the city, making sure only the coolest people (and maybe a few rogue shrimp boats) get in.
That's it, folks! The Seven Bridges of Jacksonville, conquered!
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Bonus Round: Bridge Trivia Nobody Asked For
- Did you know the Fuller Warren Bridge has glow-in-the-dark dolphins on it? We're not sure why, but hey, it's kinda cool.
- The Dames Point Bridge is named after the "dames," which is a fancy old-fashioned word for wives. Apparently, a lot of sailors' wives used to wait by the bridge for their husbands to return from sea. Now that's dedication (or maybe just extreme boredom).
Frequently Asked Questions (Bridge Edition):
How to get across the river without a car?
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Several bridges, including the Main Street Bridge and the Fuller Warren Bridge, are pedestrian-friendly. You can also take the Jacksonville Skyway, a ferry service that will whisk you across the river in style (and with minimal traffic).
How long does it take to cross the Buckman Bridge?
If you're driving the speed limit, it should take about 10 minutes to cross the Buckman Bridge. But hey, who are we to judge if you want to take
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