Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is a beautiful and vibrant city known for its strong sense of community, unique cultural attractions, and stunning natural beauty. The city is also home to an impressive number of bridges, which make it easy to traverse the Willamette River and other waterways that crisscross the city. But just how many bridges are there in Portland?
The answer to this question depends on how you choose to define a bridge. Portland has more than 40 bridges that span the Willamette River and its tributaries, but the city also has several smaller bridges, such as the Sellwood Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge and the Hawthorne Bridge, which is an automobile bridge. In addition, Portland also has two footbridges, the Steel Bridge and the Broadway Bridge, which cross the Willamette River.
The History of Portland's Bridges
The first bridge to span the Willamette River was the Hawthorne Bridge, which opened in 1910. This bridge was the first major bridge to cross the river, and it was a major engineering feat for its time. The Hawthorne Bridge was eventually followed by the Steel Bridge, which was built in 1912. Both of these bridges remain in use today and are two of Portland’s most iconic bridges.
The Steel Bridge, which is the only double-deck bridge in Portland, is also notable for its unique design, which includes a lift span that can be raised and lowered to accommodate large ships. The Broadway Bridge, which opened in 1913, was the next major bridge to span the Willamette River. The Broadway Bridge was followed by the Burnside Bridge, which opened in 1926.
The Modern Bridges of Portland
In the decades since the opening of the Burnside Bridge, several other bridges have been built to span the Willamette River and its tributaries. These bridges include the Morrison Bridge, the Fremont Bridge, the Sellwood Bridge, the St. Johns Bridge, and the Ross Island Bridge. The Marquam Bridge and the Tilikum Crossing are two of the more recent additions to Portland’s bridges.
The Marquam Bridge, which opened in 1966, is the highest bridge in Portland and is the only bridge in the city that carries Interstate 5. The Tilikum Crossing, which opened in 2015, is the first bridge to cross the Willamette River and does not carry any motorized vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Bridges Are There in Portland?
There are more than 40 bridges that span the Willamette River and its tributaries in Portland, including the Hawthorne Bridge, the Steel Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, the Burnside Bridge, the Morrison Bridge, the Fremont Bridge, the Sellwood Bridge, the St. Johns Bridge, the Ross Island Bridge, the Marquam Bridge, and the Tilikum Crossing.
What Is the Oldest Bridge in Portland?
The oldest bridge in Portland is the Hawthorne Bridge, which opened in 1910.
What Is the Highest Bridge in Portland?
The Marquam Bridge is the highest bridge in Portland and is the only bridge in the city that carries Interstate 5.
What Is the Most Unique Bridge in Portland?
The Steel Bridge is the most unique bridge in Portland. This bridge is the only double-deck bridge in the city and also has a lift span that can be raised and lowered to accommodate large ships.
What Is the Newest Bridge in Portland?
The Tilikum Crossing is the newest bridge in Portland. This bridge opened in 2015 and is the first bridge to cross the Willamette River that does not carry any motorized vehicles.
Do All of Portland's Bridges Span the Willamette River?
No, not all of Portland’s bridges span the Willamette River. The Sellwood Bridge and the Hawthorne Bridge are both pedestrian bridges that cross smaller waterways.
What Is the Longest Bridge in Portland?
The longest bridge in Portland is the Ross Island Bridge, which spans more than 2,500 feet.
Are There Any Pedestrian Bridges in Portland?
Yes, there are two pedestrian bridges in Portland. The Sellwood Bridge spans the Willamette River’s Westmoreland Channel, and the Hawthorne Bridge spans the Eastbank Esplanade.
Are There Any Bridges That Don't Carry Motorized Vehicles in Portland?
Yes, the Tilikum Crossing is the only bridge in Portland that does not carry any motorized vehicles. This bridge opened in 2015 and crosses the Willamette River.
Do Any of Portland's Bridges Have Lift Spans?
Yes, the Steel Bridge has a lift span that can be raised and lowered to accommodate large ships. This bridge is the only double-deck bridge in Portland and is one of the city’s most iconic bridges.