What: The Astoria–Megler Bridge, located in Oregon, is the longest steel cantilever through truss bridge in the nation.
When: Initial construction began in 1962 & the Astoria–Megler Bridge officially opened on July 29th, 1966 (although the official dedication ceremony took place a month later).
Stats:
– Total Length: 21,474 feet (6,545 m)
– Width: 28 feet (8.5 m)
– Longest Span: 1,232 feet (376 m)
Why: Despite Oregon DOT ferry service between Astoria and the Washington side of the Columbia River, residents in the growing communities needed faster and more reliable crossings near the mouth of the river (the ferry was inoperable in bad weather conditions).
Interesting facts: Initially the bridge was a toll bridge. However, in 1993, a full 2 years early, the bridge was paid off and the toll was removed.
When it opened, the bridge completed U.S. 101 as an unbroken link between the Canadian and Mexican borders.
Take a drive over the Astoria–Megler Bridge here:
Tags: Astoria, Astoria–Megler Bridge, Great American Infrastructure, OR
RSS Feed