How Old is the St. Johns Bridge? Spoiler Alert: It's Older Than Your Weekend FOMO
So you're cruising down the Willamette River, blasting some tunes (because let's be honest, Portland's bridges are basically scenic freeway on-ramps), and you see this majestic green giant. You're like, "Whoa, that bridge is stunning! But how long has it been holding up this whole Portland vibe?" Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating history of the St. Johns Bridge, with some fun facts sprinkled in along the way.
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| How Old Is The St. Johns Bridge In Portland Oregon |
From Sketchpad to Steel Giant: A Bridge is Born
The story begins in 1928, when David B. Steinman, a bridge designer with a name cooler than a spy movie, dreamt up the St. Johns Bridge. Construction kicked off a month before the infamous 1929 Stock Market Crash. Talk about bad timing, right? Well, not exactly. Building the bridge provided much-needed jobs during the Great Depression, so it was kind of a silver lining (or should we say, a steel truss?) in a dark time.
Why Green? The Great Paint Caper
Fun fact: The bridge almost wasn't the iconic emerald green we all know and love. Because it was close to the airport, some folks thought it should be painted bright yellow with black stripes – you know, for maximum airplane-avoidance. Thankfully, saner minds prevailed, and on St. Patrick's Day in 1931, officials declared it would be green. A wise decision, if you ask us. Green just goes perfectly with Portland's whole "city in a constant state of flannel pajamas" aesthetic.
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The Grand Opening: A Rose-Colored Celebration
The dedication of the bridge was a big deal. So big, in fact, that it was delayed a month to be the centerpiece of the 23rd annual Rose Festival. Can you imagine? A bridge opening stealing the show from roses? That's some serious Portland energy right there.
So, how old is this grand dame of the Willamette?
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Drumroll please... The St. Johns Bridge opened its (metaphorical) arms to Portland traffic in June 1931. That means as of July 2024, it's a sprightly 93 years old. That's older than your average teenager's angst phase, but way cooler (because, you know, it's a bridge).
Wait, 93? Isn't that, like, ancient for a bridge?
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Well, not exactly. Bridges are built to last, and with proper maintenance, they can hang around for centuries. The St. Johns Bridge is a prime example – it's still going strong, carrying cars, bikes, and pedestrians across the river with style.
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St. Johns Bridge FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (Briefly)
Alright, alright, we know you have questions. Here's a quick rundown of some bridge-related brain teasers:
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How to get to the St. Johns Bridge?
Easy! It's located in Portland, Oregon, spanning the Willamette River. Just follow the signs, or, you know, use a map app.
How to walk across the St. Johns Bridge?
There's a pedestrian walkway on the bridge, so lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the view!
How to bike across the St. Johns Bridge?
There's a bike lane too. Just be courteous of pedestrians and fellow cyclists.
How to take photos of the St. Johns Bridge?
Get creative! The bridge looks stunning from all angles, especially at sunrise or sunset.
How to appreciate the awesomeness of the St. Johns Bridge?
Just stand there and soak it in. This bridge is a Portland icon, and it deserves your respect (and maybe a silent high five).
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