Visiting Washington D.C. Bridges

By Gary Mullen


Whether or not you are an architectural fan or simply enjoy heavy historic structures, travelers won't want to miss the various superb bridges in Wasington D.C.. Featuring interesting stories that tell the history of the country, Washington D.C. Bridges tell a tale all of their own.

Arlington Memorial Bridge

Frequently considered to be one of the prettiest bridges in Washington D.C, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is filled with symbolism. Connecting the Northerly area with the South, Arlington Memorial Bridge crosses over the historical Potomac River, linking the Lincoln Memorial to Columbia Island. Saturated in art and detail, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is known also for famous sculptures like The Arts of War, which were made by Leo Friedlander. Along the pylons on each pier, visitors can also view the work of sculptor Carl Paul Jennewein, which are massive circulars discs adorned with eagles and faces.

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Erected in 1923, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was created by the Army Corps of Engineers. The FSK Bridge provides simple commuting between Arlington County, Washington D.C. and Virginia. This bridge is the oldest bridge that crosses over the Potomac River. Architects and designers Nathan Wyeth and Max Tyler made use of a classical revival arch design when creating the plans for this bridge.

John Philip Sousa Bridge

Named after John Philip Sousa, the famous composer of many patriotic marches, the John Philip Sousa Bridge carries Pennsylvania Avenue over the Anacostia River. The Sousa bridge was opened in 1940 employing the same masonry piers that were utilised for the previous bridge that stood in its place.

Chain Bridge

Carrying virtually 22,000 vehicles a day the Chain Bridge crosses over the Potomac River in Little Falls area of Washington, D.C. This girder designed bridge was constructed in 1939 from steel. The Chain Bridge marks the site where the Union Armed forces gained their access to the countryside encampments within Fairfax County. The bridge features a large crossbeam structure which closely resembles a pergola or long garden arbor. The existing bridge is the second structure to stand in place as the first Chain Bridge was originally opened in 1793. Chain linked trusses were added in 1810 to the initial bridge structure, giving the structure its popular name. All together there have been a grand total of almost ten different version of this bridge in the location on which it now sits.

14th Street Bridge

Consisting of 5 bridges that all cross over the Potomac River, the 14th Street Bridge connects Virginia, Arlington County and DC This structure carries many alternative names composed of , Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge, Charles R. Fenwick Bridge, the Long Bridge, Rochambeau Bridge and the George Mason Memorial Bridge. Of all the Washington D.C. Bridges, the Chain Bridge carries the most sad stories. This bridge is the site where the Air Florida Flight 90 airplane crash happened on in 1982. Today repairs are still being finished on this bridge to repair damage caused during that tragedy.




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