Portland's Bridges: A Tale of Two Champions (One Doesn't Like Cars)
Portland, the city of roses...and bridges! We've got more bridges than a dentist convention (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but there's a lot). But with all these majestic (and sometimes not-so-majestic) structures spanning the Willamette River, you might wonder: which one holds the title of Portland's Oldest Bridge?
The Trainspotter's Dream: Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge (1908)
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For the train enthusiasts out there (and yes, they exist!), the crown goes to the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge. Built in 1908, this iron giant has been faithfully shuttling locomotives across the river for over a century. While you won't be catching any scenic views from a train window (unless you're a particularly daring squirrel), this bridge is a testament to Portland's rich industrial history.
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The OG for Cars (and Bikes!): Hawthorne Bridge (1910)
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But let's be honest, most of us aren't interested in train bridges (unless they're part of a particularly epic game of Bridge Troll). If you're looking for the granddaddy of Portland's car bridges (and the undisputed king of two-wheeled transportation), then look no further than the Hawthorne Bridge. This beauty, which opened its arms (or should we say ramps?) to traffic in 1910, is also the oldest operating vertical lift bridge in the United States. That means it can raise its central span to let those fancy boats pass underneath.
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Fun Fact: The Hawthorne Bridge is so popular with cyclists, it's earned the nickname "The Bicycle Capital of the Oregon Autobahn" (okay, maybe we made that nickname up, but it should totally be a thing).
So, next time you're cruising across the Willamette, cast a glance at these grand old bridges and ponder the fascinating history they represent. Who knows, you might even see a train (or a squirrel with a bucket list).
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| What is The Oldest Bridge In Portland |
FAQs
- How to get to the Hawthorne Bridge? Just follow Hawthorne Boulevard or Madison Street - you can't miss it!
- How to bike across the Hawthorne Bridge? There's a dedicated bike lane on the east side of the bridge. Just remember to share the road (and the awesomeness) with pedestrians.
- How to see the Hawthorne Bridge lift? The bridge lifts to let river traffic pass through, but there's no set schedule. Your best bet is to just be patient and enjoy the view - you might just get lucky!
- How to avoid getting stuck in Hawthorne Bridge traffic? This one's a tough one. Maybe try a scenic route or embrace your inner Portlander and chill out to some tunes.
- How to appreciate the beauty of Portland's bridges? Easy! Just open your eyes and take it all in. From the industrial might of the railroad bridge to the graceful curves of the Hawthorne, these structures are a big part of what makes Portland special.
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