Most Iconic Bridge in Each Metro Area

[nexus73]

Portland OR has so many bridges!  I would nominate two.  For beautiful modern design, give it to the Fremont Bridge.  When it comes to classic old school looks, the Burnside Bridge is my pick.

Rick

[webny99]

Some metro areas have a plethora of choices, while others are really lacking. There doesn't seem to be any major trends, except that longer bridges tend to be more well-known... and maybe the more significant the river, the better the bridges?

Compare Pittsburgh, PA (which has three historically significant rivers and a lot of great bridges), to Columbus, OH (which has two little-known and largely insignificant rivers, the Scioto and the Olentangy, and no famous bridges). Night and day.

[Bruce]

Seattle has many plain bridges, so our most iconic is probably the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

A shame that we couldn't get a cable-stayed bridge on SR 520 over Portage Bay.

[SkyPesos]

Seattle has many plain bridges, so our most iconic is probably the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

I wouldn't be surprised if the collapse in 1940 is a reason why it is iconic.

[Bruce]

Seattle has many plain bridges, so our most iconic is probably the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

I wouldn't be surprised if the collapse in 1940 is a reason why it is iconic.

That's part of it, along with being one of our only suspension bridges (and thus being beautiful to most).

[rellis97]

If you've been to or you're from the Copper Country (the Keweenaw Peninsula) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'll know that the Portage Lake Lift Bridge is the most iconic bridge in the area. In fact, it is the ONLY bridge to span the Portage Canal, running between the two cities of Houghton and Hancock.

Here is what the bridge looks like:
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.1226237,-88.571726,3a,42.3y,291.1h,101.97t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya113.00644-ro0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352

[Rothman]

Seattle has many plain bridges, so our most iconic is probably the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

I wouldn't be surprised if the collapse in 1940 is a reason why it is iconic.

That's part of it, along with being one of our only suspension bridges (and thus being beautiful to most).

Tacoma Narrows is far away from Seattle.

Maybe go with the decorated end of the floating bridge as it heads into the tunnel.

[SkyPesos]

Seattle has many plain bridges, so our most iconic is probably the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

I wouldn't be surprised if the collapse in 1940 is a reason why it is iconic.

That's part of it, along with being one of our only suspension bridges (and thus being beautiful to most).

Tacoma Narrows is far away from Seattle.

Maybe go with the decorated end of the floating bridge as it heads into the tunnel.

I would still count Tacoma Narrows as Seattle, as the op said "metro area", and Seattle and Tacoma are in the same metro area. Though if it's specifically Seattle, I would go with either the I-90 floating bridge or the WA 99 Aurora Bridge, but neither are close to iconic as Tacoma Narrows.

[Max Rockatansky]

Seattle has many plain bridges, so our most iconic is probably the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

I wouldn't be surprised if the collapse in 1940 is a reason why it is iconic.

That's part of it, along with being one of our only suspension bridges (and thus being beautiful to most).

Tacoma Narrows is far away from Seattle.

Maybe go with the decorated end of the floating bridge as it heads into the tunnel.

I would still count Tacoma Narrows as Seattle, as the op said "metro area", and Seattle and Tacoma are in the same metro area. Though if it's specifically Seattle, I would go with either the I-90 floating bridge or the WA 99 Aurora Bridge, but neither are close to iconic as Tacoma Narrows.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct was that I always associated with Seattle.  It feels weird not seeing it there over Alaskan Way anymore.

[MikeTheActuary]

Memphis: The Hernando-Desoto Bridge

Montréal: tough call, but I'll say the Pont Samuel-De Champlain with the Pont Jacques-Cartier a close contender.

[Flint1979]

If you've been to or you're from the Copper Country (the Keweenaw Peninsula) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'll know that the Portage Lake Lift Bridge is the most iconic bridge in the area. In fact, it is the ONLY bridge to span the Portage Canal, running between the two cities of Houghton and Hancock.

Here is what the bridge looks like:
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.1226237,-88.571726,3a,42.3y,291.1h,101.97t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya113.00644-ro0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352

There should be a NO OUTLET sign on the bridge lol.

[US 89]

Tacoma Narrows is too far away to be Seattle specifically. I would go with the I-90 floating bridge.

[Dirt Roads]

Not such a big metro area, but how about the Wheeling Suspension Bridge for iconic?  And right now, its still closed to vehicular traffic (due to overweight and oversized vehicles that keep trying to destroy the landmark).  Maybe we should blame the GPS.

[Bruce]

Take photos of our 3 major floating bridges and I don't think most people would be able to tell them apart. They're quite plain, though SR 520 has sentinels that could potentially become an identifiable symbol (but far from iconic).

Aurora Bridge is definitely the best-known out of the in-city bridges, though, thanks to its bad luck. Also the troll under the bridge.

[Terry Shea]

In Grand Rapids, probably the I-196 WB bridge over the Grand River.
https://www.google.com/search?q=I-196+bridge+over+grand+river+pics&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=wfRdqF0FVKGU-M%252CuM7PbOdU7L99SM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kR8eAAuVJpa8y5W5alcDdqvYX6-rA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjaqpDTlYTvAhVsAZ0JHb4cDioQ9QF6BAgREAE#imgrc=wfRdqF0FVKGU-M

If pedestrian bridges count, the blue bridge over the Grand River.
https://www.google.com/search?q=blue+pedestrian+bridge+in+grand+rapids&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=tVgaDbUTrdS2kM%252CbYeYWFKkfkfYPM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kRxZzYm9Pc3BSzWFGOLfFGOOjjTcA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj4y568loTvAhXDU80KHfL8AKQQ9QF6BAgQEAE#imgrc=tVgaDbUTrdS2kM

And I somehow almost forgot about the historic 6th Street Bridge.
https://michpics.wordpress.com/2016/04/11/sixth-street-bridge-in-grand-rapids/

[ozarkman417]

Using the Springfield-Branson CSA rather than the Springfield MSA alone, I nominate the Y-Bridge of Galena.

[andrepoiy]

Toronto doesn't really have any iconic bridges, so maybe the following:

1) Gardiner Expressway, technically a 6 km long bridge since it's elevated on the eastern section

2) Prince Edward Viaduct, carries Bloor Street/Danforth Avenue over the Don Valley and also carries a subway line underneath

[MCRoads]

If you've been to or you're from the Copper Country (the Keweenaw Peninsula) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'll know that the Portage Lake Lift Bridge is the most iconic bridge in the area. In fact, it is the ONLY bridge to span the Portage Canal, running between the two cities of Houghton and Hancock.

Here is what the bridge looks like:
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.1226237,-88.571726,3a,42.3y,291.1h,101.97t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya113.00644-ro0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352

Wow, I thought it was in Grand Rapids, not in the sticks. I think this bridge is more significant then just being the biggest bridge in the area, as IIRC it is the heaviest lift bridge worldwide. However, what I don't get is why build such a big bridge there when a smaller bridge or 2 would have probably worked?

[Max Rockatansky]

If you've been to or you're from the Copper Country (the Keweenaw Peninsula) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you'll know that the Portage Lake Lift Bridge is the most iconic bridge in the area. In fact, it is the ONLY bridge to span the Portage Canal, running between the two cities of Houghton and Hancock.

Here is what the bridge looks like:
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.1226237,-88.571726,3a,42.3y,291.1h,101.97t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO-r4KwUvdnGe3onFD4Rc_5nWxNYsB_2Yo3Dc14%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya113.00644-ro0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352

Wow, I thought it was in Grand Rapids, not in the sticks. I think this bridge is more significant then just being the biggest bridge in the area, as IIRC it is the heaviest lift bridge worldwide. However, what I don't get is why build such a big bridge there when a smaller bridge or 2 would have probably worked?

The railroad grade contributes heavily to why it's so robust. 

[GaryV]

Live stream of the Houghton-Hancock Lift Bridge:  https://www.mtu.edu/webcams/bridge/

As I post this it is winter, and the bridge is in the fully lowered position.  The lower deck, former railroad, is used for snowmobiles.

In the summer, the bridge is lifted so that the lower deck is level with the road approaches at each end.  This means there is more clearance underneath and the don't need to raise it as often, only for larger and taller vessels.

Freighters will go through the Portage from time to time, but not very often.  I don't believe the largest boats will fit, and there could be draft issues.  They used to deliver coal to Hancock, but I don't know if that still happens.  Road salt too.

[Bruce]

Spokane is easy, since they include their most iconic in their city logo: https://my.spokanecity.org/about/government/logo-and-colors/

That's the Monroe Street Bridge, which spans the Spokane River in downtown near the falls.

[zzcarp]

Denver isn't really known for water.  So I'll nominate the former Gates Rubber Factory Bridge that attaches to I-25.

Chris

While that is an odd-looking bridge, I would say the twin Speer Boulevard bridges over the South Platte are more iconic. And, yes, we have few choices here in the Denver metro.

[fillup420]

There are many iconic bridges in the coastal Carolina region. Lots of road trips around the coastal plain include at least one landmark bridge. Since most coastal towns require crossing a wide inland river or waterway to access the actual beach, it has resulted in many a high-rise bridge, often replacing a small drawbridge or ferry. Follow US 17 up or down the eastern seaboard, and there will be no shortage of awesome bridges. Same goes for the last miles of US 64, US 421, and all of NC 12.

[triplemultiplex]

Milwaukee:  The new 6th St. viaduct.

Not the Hoan Bridge?

Also, 25 years old is "new"?

Haven't read any nominees yet for Chicago.  That's a tough one as everything is boring viaducts or cloned bascule spans of the Chicago River.  Therefore, I submit that the most iconic bridge in metro Chicago is the Hinsdale Oasis.

[epzik8]

For Baltimore, narrowly speaking, it could be either the Hanover Street Bridge, Key Bridge or the I-895 K-bridge. On a broader scale, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's counties are in the metro area).