AARoads Forum

National Boards => Bridges => Topic started by: Voyager on January 18, 2009, 08:13:23 AM

Title: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Voyager on January 18, 2009, 08:13:23 AM
I'm going to have to go with the Golden Gate Bridge, of course.

Which ones are your favorites?
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Chris on January 18, 2009, 11:17:56 AM
I think the Ravenel Bridge near Charleston, SC is very impressive:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fc%2Fc3%2FArthur_Ravenel_Bridge_%2528from_water%2529.jpg%2F800px-Arthur_Ravenel_Bridge_%2528from_water%2529.jpg&hash=a34be4083e491483f3a154b2a7d5d33e6fa27f9b)

As is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge near St. Petersburg, FL
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Ff%2Ff7%2FSunshineSkyway_ALB.jpg&hash=73a380ee270a5d131fedff21be1378e973b69e6a)

But the Mackinac Bridge near Mackinac, MI is also extremely beautiful, I can't seem to make up my mind :)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F2d%2FMackinac_Bridge_Sunset.jpg%2F800px-Mackinac_Bridge_Sunset.jpg&hash=23825f913f9fb8221c0266ccae0ba7ed3d6f7244)

pics taken from wikipedia
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 18, 2009, 12:05:39 PM
Either the GWB or Delaware Memorial bridge here. I'm a sucker for suspensions.

Though I think that either the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston or the Eugene Talmadge Bridge (Route 17) [Thanks Alex!] in Savannah, GA (can't recall the actual name of it) come in in close second because I like cable-stayed too... And third maybe the new Central Artery bridge on I-93 in Boston... And now I just really can't make up my mind.  :P
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: FLRoads on January 18, 2009, 03:56:26 PM
In my biased opinion, the Sunshine Skyway is my pick.  But to be honest, I prefer the old design (cantilever) over the new one (cable-stayed).  In the two images below one is a postcard of mine depicting the old spans (before the tragic accident May 9, 1980) and after.  The other is a picture I took on one of my many trips across the Skyway.  This picture was taken November 8, 2008.



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Alex on January 18, 2009, 06:13:40 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on January 18, 2009, 12:05:39 PM
Either the GWB or Delaware Memorial bridge here. I'm a sucker for suspensions.

Though I think that either the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston or the Route 17 bridge in Savannah, GA (can't recall the actual name of it) come in in close second because I like cable-stayed too... And third maybe the new Central Artery bridge on I-93 in Boston... And now I just really can't make up my mind.  :P

Thats the Eugene Talmadge Bridge in Savannah (U.S. 17)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastroads.com%2Fgeorgia001%2Fus-017_ga-404s_sb_talmadge_br_01.jpg&hash=c7479b9bd3cbe446a4e7471f43a831ac2d914768)

Its similar in design to the Sid Lanier Bridge (U.S. 17) near Brunswick.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastroads.com%2Fgeorgia001%2Fus-017_nb_ga-520_eb_app_split_02.jpg&hash=60f452546613d13206e290773fa89bffaded3bfb)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Ian on January 18, 2009, 06:36:25 PM
I would have to say the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia, PA/Camden, NJ. It looks really neat at night.

I.C.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 18, 2009, 08:06:45 PM
Nice shot! Love the lighting...
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Wikigav on January 18, 2009, 08:57:27 PM
Hmm, to give this an international flavour i cant go past my hometown bias and go Sydney Harbour Bridge. But i also extremely like the Golden Gate and Brooklyn Bridges. The Golden Gate is beautiful, especially those ones where it is half covered in fog.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 19, 2009, 02:03:42 AM
that is an excellent Golden Gate Bridge photo!

I dunno if this is the most beautiful bridge ever (probably not), but this is my favorite bridge photo I've ever taken:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw16750.jpg&hash=daf23b1c3cf3d2ac5cac6c56cafef528377db710)

this bridge is on state route 132 in the central valley of California.  It's from 1923, I think.  The photo was taken with an IR filter.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Voyager on January 19, 2009, 02:12:32 AM
Wait you don't mean you took that in 1923, right? Btw, I love IR photos.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 19, 2009, 02:13:58 AM
I think he meant the bridge was from '23!  :P
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 19, 2009, 02:45:57 AM
haha yes, the bridge is from 1923.  The photo is from June '07!

Good to see another fan of IR photography.  Do you take IR photos, voyager?  I use a Nikon D50 with a W87 filter (780mm cutoff).  About 11 stops loss.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: yacoded on January 22, 2009, 12:02:47 AM
I would have to say the Fremont Bridge in Portland, it's nice and a double decker, but also the Woodrow Wilson (I-495 Capital Beltway) is nice, it's different compared to a normal interstate bridge but fits in with the arch bridges of DC.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Scott5114 on January 22, 2009, 07:23:19 AM
Never seen it in person but judging from photos that bridge at the end of the Big Dig project in Boston looks pretty sweet.

Personally I'm more into thru truss bridges, but I can't think of one I could come out and say "beautiful". My local bypassed truss bridge was probably quite attractive back in its day, but these days it's so bashed up its sufficiency ratings are down into the single digits (no lie) so I can't honestly call it "beautiful".
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 22, 2009, 04:28:34 PM
I'm a big fan of truss bridges, even though they tend to be more difficult to get nice photos of than suspension ones.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw43500.jpg&hash=486d06299851d0f9d6651cf6e3fa98b1749d77ae)

old US-10 somewhere in eastern Montana, a mile or two south of I-94.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: DAL764 on January 22, 2009, 04:31:05 PM
Of those bridges I've been to, I'd say the US-17 bridge in Savannah:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi285.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll41%2FDAL764%2FCars%2FUS17Bridge.jpg&hash=7a9d16360c430ffc44a06811a868131effa5d34a)
And it's clone further south, US-17 in Brunswick:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi285.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll41%2FDAL764%2FCars%2FUS17BQK.jpg&hash=89c370ec94fa48032d36d6fd9556c032258aa0f8)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 22, 2009, 04:40:58 PM
I founded these pics on another forum, here the Golden Ears bridge in the Lower Fraser Valley in BC currently under construction
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3111%2F2868824514_60d2404f17_b.jpg&hash=742a045fc7d95a1300de76dd7df3e2049e9e3959)
Jacques-Cartier bridge in Montreal
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fc%2Fc9%2FJacques-Cartier_bridge.JPG&hash=8c1cd6d3d18291f29a9cd1f19363a270bc7ba2d9)
the Quebec bridge and Pierre-Laporte bridge
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3256%2F2561182869_f7150faacf_b.jpg&hash=96b11d39663ee1710ed7d8a06e74046623164b50)
Lions Gate bridge in Vancouver
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.igougo.com%2Fimages%2Fp303481-Vancouver_BC-Lions_Gate_Bridge.jpg&hash=7a9cefa2ef67b389808b11879a4ef7688b579a2b)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: vdeane on January 22, 2009, 05:11:03 PM
I like the Thousand Islands Bridge.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: us44mt on January 22, 2009, 05:37:40 PM
They are not huge, but the 2 suspension bridges in the Mid Hudson, the Bear Mountain and the Mid Hudson, are favorites of mine. The Mid Hudson looks quite good at night since the lighting has been added.  
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 22, 2009, 06:31:39 PM
I was reminded in another thread of the US-77 bridge in Sioux City, Iowa.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw44285.jpg&hash=5d805fe03a691f6d8fcba1c32d3202612679b5ec)

this is the view from the Nebraska side.  US-77 ends on that bridge.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Voyager on January 23, 2009, 01:53:43 PM
Outside of the US, my favorite bridges would be a cross between these two:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2F1314%2F1387920076_99024d93f8.jpg&hash=774b6a68eb1caa0cdefa2e306d1155ebc4ca2ff4)

Hagelsund Bridge in Norway.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F85%2F271570644_eb8e3f0352.jpg&hash=2d1730be8ffbe786963e8d9d991b6cb3d65ac2c1)

Gothenburg Harbor Bridge - Gothenburg Sweden.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 23, 2009, 02:11:39 PM
the Hagelsund bridge looks very much like the bridge in northern Norway that goes to the island that the town of Hammerfest is on.  I can't remember the name of the bridge or the island, alas.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw50144.jpg&hash=521185e119adc91c3d763e7335abdeffbbb9681f)

and here is the Tjeldsund bridge, which is on highway E-10 to the Lofoten Islands.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw48835.jpg&hash=e90909d544bf05d24b55af86b5ab631f397ae64f)

Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Freewayjim on January 23, 2009, 04:30:25 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 18, 2009, 11:17:56 AM
I think the Ravenel Bridge near Charleston, SC is very impressive:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fc%2Fc3%2FArthur_Ravenel_Bridge_%2528from_water%2529.jpg%2F800px-Arthur_Ravenel_Bridge_%2528from_water%2529.jpg&hash=a34be4083e491483f3a154b2a7d5d33e6fa27f9b)

I think I'd give the nod to the Ravenel, not only for sheer beauty but 8 regular sized lanes is hard to beat on a bridge like that, it's such a joy to drive over. The Fred Hartman Bridge outside of Houston would be a close second in my book.

It's hard though, there are so many bridges I like.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: akotchi on January 23, 2009, 07:07:10 PM
I am partial to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Annapolis, only because I had the pleasure of participating in the annual bridge walk one year -- the eastbound span is closed for the walk -- and was treated to an excellent panorama of Annapolis, the Naval Academy, and the surrounding area.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Michael on January 23, 2009, 07:43:30 PM
I like the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass-Susan_B._Anthony_Memorial_Bridge) in Rochester (formerly the Troup-Howell bridge).  I have never been over it, but I have been over the old bridge.  I saw this bridge under construction, but I haven't gotten to go over it.

Picture (from Wikipedia page):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fc%2Fc6%2FRochester1.jpg%2F800px-Rochester1.jpg&hash=61fecefcf90a9a0d7f81d8b48c400d43d3d0a118)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Voyager on January 24, 2009, 08:49:11 PM
For some reason I really like the Nippon Clip-on Auckland Harbor Bridge:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2248%2F2398527686_31060f3389.jpg&hash=8bbc52657354b498c6342391f32d7f9e89f2e062)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: njroadhorse on January 25, 2009, 09:45:48 AM
My personal favorite is the Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville, FL
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.groundspeak.com%2Fwaymarking%2Fdisplay%2F05e0c94c-2fe5-4c40-97c5-4a9dabcd94e7.jpg&hash=5e1e513025b7f2f3389c72d3d6c335f019946fc7)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: algorerhythms on January 25, 2009, 10:21:04 AM
I'm somewhat surprised the New River Gorge Bridge hasn't come up yet.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Ff%2Fff%2FNRGfromair.jpg&hash=4a8aaed0a70a309c428e758c85136fd91ba5f53d)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 25, 2009, 12:16:25 PM
Now THAT's a bridge! :-o
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2009, 12:54:57 PM
The Bay Bridge.  The Golden Gate Bridge's underappreciated cousin.  I think it's just as lovely; it just happens to not have as many optimal vantage points.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw53666.jpg&hash=2ed1cb30be773cb1fe443511620825422fd4f27f)
large version: http://www.artistjake.com/lj/DSC_3666A.jpg (http://www.artistjake.com/lj/DSC_3666A.jpg)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Alex on January 25, 2009, 01:57:52 PM
And that is my new wallpaper!
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: akotchi on January 25, 2009, 05:57:28 PM
I hope to get half as good a shot of that bridge when I go out there in May!  Wow, that is beautiful . . .
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Voyager on January 26, 2009, 07:35:16 PM
Why I like the Golden Gate Bridge more: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfstreetlight/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfstreetlight/) :-P
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 26, 2009, 10:28:21 PM
Ooh... nice Bay Bridge shot! I think that's pushing the Golden Gate's monopoly on good pictures.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 27, 2009, 01:07:31 AM
thanks :)

Bay Bridge is hard to get good photos of because Yerba Buena Island is swarming with all kinds of authorities and prohibitions about where you can't go and how quickly you must cease to exist ... there is a piece of the island that is marked as a Coast Guard station, and I respect their property, but to put up, all around the other parts of the island, all sorts of hideous warning signs about how trespassing is going to cost you three arms, four legs, and a penis ... that's just savage. 
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Voyager on January 29, 2009, 04:31:09 AM
Yup, only good place they usually let you get photos is from Treasure Island.

Another bridge I like:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2F1267%2F834421244_4b49551772.jpg&hash=c5aad968dbfa234060494c0559090ad3bc995453)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Anonymity Lane on March 11, 2011, 05:32:37 PM
(I know, old thread, but I figure it's okay to post in seeing as how it's on the first page and all)

I've only ever been on it once (2005), but I'm partial to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Its beauty is heightened to me by the fact that it looks like it has so much space to itself, it's otherwise wide open water.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: corco on March 11, 2011, 05:43:56 PM
The Rainbow Bridge in Idaho- it blends so well with the surrounding setting
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.byways.org%2Fasset_files%2F000%2F001%2F041%2FRainbow_Bridge_DSC0049_m.jpg%3F1258402891&hash=365f443a570ab914b1d5099c7a35673ef264daee)
(photo credit NSBP (http://library.byways.org/assets/67347))
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Anonymity Lane on March 11, 2011, 06:28:50 PM
That one is rather cool-looking, I've never seen it until today.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: english si on March 11, 2011, 06:52:32 PM
The Ballyshannon bypass bridge in Ireland looks good during the day (http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=File:New_N15_bypass_bridge_Ballyshannon_-_Day_shot_-_Coppermine_-_8296.jpg), but better at night (http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=File:Ballyshannon_Bypass_Bridge_-_Coppermine_-_8289.jpg)

However, Chenonceau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chateau_de_Chenonceau_2008E.jpg) is probably my favourite one that I've been across.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: MDOTFanFB on March 12, 2011, 10:58:57 PM
It would have to be between the Ambassador Bridge between I-75/I-96 in Detroit and ON 3 in Windsor, ON and the Veteran's Glass City Skyway on I-280 in Toledo, OH, though I've only crossed the latter. The former is a suspension bridge built in 1929, the latter a cable-stayed bridge built in 2007.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: SteveG1988 on March 13, 2011, 12:52:03 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solsticephoto.com%2FPanorama%2Fcityscape%2Fben_franklin_bridge_thumb.jpg&hash=562efd4b7bc17dcedabdcfebc0c8841261f71c50)

1926 Ben Franklin Bridge. Beautiful at night and during the day. Impressive due to it being a bridge that was planned to carry a variety of traffic from the start, rail,Streetcar(never used but planned),Pedestrian, and normal cars
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: mightyace on March 17, 2011, 02:34:05 AM
For me it's covered bridges.

I'm sorry I don't have a picture at the moment.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: algorerhythms on March 17, 2011, 11:33:12 AM
Ponte do Paiva (http://v8.cache6.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/34686641.jpg?redirect_counter=1) in Recife, Brazil, is a rather beautiful bridge. The picture in the link shows the bridge while the highway leading to it was still under construction. When I was there in December, the highway was still partially under construction (the tollbooth on the approaching highway was completed, but north of the tollbooth the highway was a dirt road).

edit - and I should note that I didn't take that picture, I found it on Google Maps (didn't have my camera with me when we went to Cabo do Santo Augostinho). I did take a bunch of pictures of Boa Viagem, though those aren't as much of roadgeek interest.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: aridawn on March 27, 2011, 09:54:58 PM
My two bridges I love are: 1. The Park Bridge on the trans-can 1 just east of Golden, BC

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/images/archivesid/24262/100.jpg (http://www.journalofcommerce.com/images/archivesid/24262/100.jpg)

2. The Oresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden

http://www.composedvolcano.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/o1.jpg (http://www.composedvolcano.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/o1.jpg)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: nexus73 on March 30, 2011, 06:44:19 PM
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic bridge on the planet IMO.  It's the Mona Lisa of bridges.

Rick
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Stephane Dumas on March 31, 2011, 09:16:04 PM
Quote from: mightyace on March 17, 2011, 02:34:05 AM
For me it's covered bridges.

I'm sorry I don't have a picture at the moment.

I spotted some videos of covered bridges located in Quebec, like that one in Fort-Coulonge in the Ottawa River valley


The longest covered bridge in Hartland, New Brunswick


Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: 1995hoo on April 29, 2011, 10:57:53 AM
I've always liked the Clifton Suspension Bridge (hey, that's me in the foreground back in April 2007).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FBristol%25202007%2FBristol2007126.jpg&hash=b01cb7f293e3b945cd4ddafcc9c08e1ef263e398)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: SteveG1988 on April 29, 2011, 03:41:51 PM
One bridge i always liked the look of, despite its infamous reputation was the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Yes it had a bad design in terms of deck width, and using solid girders. But at the same time they were just learning the techniques.

It just looks so graceful, the towers are not over the top on the art deco touches, fairly simple bridge.


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.litadawn.com%2Fimages%2F375_galloping_gertie.jpg&hash=3d48102744b4af49ef038f1bbbe9cc3e2fd705fd)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fauteurs_production%2Fstills%2F20990%2Foriginal.jpg%3F1290032262&hash=4e07e326cd93d1c1df7f7276541dc9e48d3fb46e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fwgbh%2Fnova%2Fsciencenow%2F0304%2Fimages%2F04-whyt-03.jpg&hash=92a831fc8897bf6b3a62943d3508960a6ed14de4)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeoffreygoldberg.com%2Fpostcards%2FTacomaNarrows.jpg&hash=d496526925ea5e6306da9773d247df04c19fbdda)


Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: papaT10932 on May 05, 2011, 09:28:32 AM
It sounds a little cliche to choose such a famous bridge, but I do consider to George Washington to be the most beautiful. It's so graceful yet powerful. It speaks to American strength and symbolizes an era when this country embraced its power and potential.

                             (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F207140_542274336438_71700498_31558713_475731_n.jpg&hash=2204fc51811b38a8d5fa3f12d402ca3ac74edcbb)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Scott5114 on May 15, 2011, 10:09:12 PM
Quote from: papaT10932 on May 05, 2011, 09:28:32 AM
It speaks to American strength and symbolizes an era when this country embraced its power and potential.

The Great Depression? It opened in 1931. There was supposed to be concrete and granite paneling on the towers covering the exposed trusses but it was left off to save money.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: papaT10932 on May 17, 2011, 01:01:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2011, 10:09:12 PM

The Great Depression? It opened in 1931. There was supposed to be concrete and granite paneling on the towers covering the exposed trusses but it was left off to save money.

Yes, the Great Depression. That's when Americans figured out that they had to get their hands dirty and work. Out of the Great Depression was born the most prosperous generation of Americans in history. Not like today where we think they way to save the economy is to go shop at WalMart.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: nexus73 on May 17, 2011, 11:39:20 PM
Americans had a lot more than their hands dirty when the Dust Bowl hit and as for working, the capitalist system had died off due to a lack of what else, capital!  There were no jobs to be had to speak of in those days.  Go watch "The Grapes Of Wrath" to see what a struggle those times were.  This nation was extremely lucky to not wind up becoming Fascist or Communist in those dark days.

Rick
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: SteveG1988 on May 18, 2011, 09:54:37 AM
The bayonne bridge was supposed to have non structural granite as well. But it was left off.

Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Duke87 on May 18, 2011, 08:21:14 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 18, 2011, 09:54:37 AM
The bayonne bridge was supposed to have non structural granite as well. But it was left off.

That was the George Washington Bridge.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: SteveG1988 on May 18, 2011, 10:31:21 PM
It was actually both, same person
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: berberry on June 11, 2011, 08:53:24 PM
I think the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace_Parkway_Bridge), while it's not the most beautiful bridge ever, certainly deserves a mention here.  It crosses TN Highway 96 a short distance south of Nashville.  It's quite impressive to see, although you might miss it if you don't know it's there.  From the roadway it doesn't look so spectacular, except for the view.  If you have any plans to drive that section of the parkway, be sure to stop at the overlook.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv226%2Fberberry%2FNatchez_Trace_Parkway_Bridge.jpg&hash=e1f77f1118047c3b339bb934d65ab365d85d9258)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv226%2Fberberry%2Fntpbridge.jpg&hash=ff70ccc0f1f0dde3a948e41b15b5b358c07d512d)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: xcellntbuy on June 11, 2011, 10:09:45 PM
Terrific photos! :clap:
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: berberry on June 11, 2011, 10:41:07 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on June 11, 2011, 10:09:45 PM
Terrific photos! :clap:

Thanks, but I didn't take them.  Just copied them from the internet.

I was unaware of / unprepared for this bridge when I saw it.  I didn't have a camera with me, and it was only because I had time to kill that I stopped at the overlook, thinking that there must be something worth seeing if they built one just for a bridge.  Even after I saw it, I didn't know much about it until I reached Tupelo, where I stopped at the Visitor's Center and asked questions.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on June 12, 2011, 02:15:00 AM
Wow. That is one beautiful bridge.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: kurumi on June 13, 2011, 01:06:47 AM
Quote from: papaT10932 on May 05, 2011, 09:28:32 AM
It sounds a little cliche to choose such a famous bridge, but I do consider to George Washington to be the most beautiful. It's so graceful yet powerful. It speaks to American strength and symbolizes an era when this country embraced its power and potential.

William Schuman composed a piece for symphonic band titled "George Washington Bridge". Our band played it in high school. Here's the Naval Academy Concert Band performing it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1f4cG808PY

The sheet music included the following "composer note" from Schuman:

"There are few days in the year when I do not see the George Washington Bridge. I pass it on my way to work as I drive along the Henry Hudson Parkway on the New York shore. Ever since my student days when I watched the progress of its construction, this bridge has had for me an almost human personality, and this personality is astonishingly varied, assuming different moods depending on the time of day or night, the weather, the traffic and, of course, my own mood as I pass by.

"I have walked across it late at night when it was shrouded in fog, and during the brilliant sunshine hours of midday. I have driven over it countless times and passed under it on boats. Coming to New York City by air, sometimes I have been lucky enough to fly right over it. It is difficult to imagine a more gracious welcome or dramatic entry to the great metropolis."
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Duke87 on June 13, 2011, 08:20:45 PM
And then there's the Sesame Street song. Which, interestingly, doesn't seem to be on YouTube.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: texaskdog on July 01, 2011, 02:14:46 PM
Gotta love Louisiana Bridges.  If I can figure out how to attach a picture I will. 
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: berberry on July 01, 2011, 03:01:55 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on July 01, 2011, 02:14:46 PM
Gotta love Louisiana Bridges.  If I can figure out how to attach a picture I will. 

Assuming your pics are in jpeg format, it's easy.  Open a free account at an image-hosting website like photobucket.com.  Use the upload link to do just that with your pics.  Once the image is online, resting your cursor on it will bring up a list of different types of links you can use to post the image to a website, blog, email, etc.  In the case of this forum, you'd want the link labelled "IMG Code".  Paste that link into your message, then click "Preview".  You should see your message including the picture(s).

And yes, I agree with you, Louisiana does have some beautiful bridges.  Hope to see some in your pics.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: geoffNOLA on July 04, 2011, 02:35:53 PM
Crescent City Connection (at night)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3652%2F3421140060_c7d77978d5.jpg&hash=0b73e36428d32e5da84ec86d9d3de11f561d1448) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/epb/3421140060/)
CCC/GNO Bridge Panoramic (http://www.flickr.com/photos/epb/3421140060/) by Eric Paul (http://www.flickr.com/people/epb/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: texaskdog on July 05, 2011, 01:48:47 PM
Great pic there!  If you can get past the fact that 90 is non-essential and BR-90 is a major road :)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Desert Man on July 11, 2011, 02:41:06 AM
I can name 3 of 'em off my head in Cal. hopefully the state won't split apart unless they can maintain its' services like roads.
1. San Pablo Bay bridge (I-580) in the northern section of the San Francisco Bay, connects Contra Costa (Richmond/Vallejo) and Marin counties together (San Rafael/Novato).
2. Terminal Island Bridge (Cal. route 47) connects the island (ports of L.A. and Long Beach) with I-110 (Harbor freeway) of San Pedro.
and 3. San Diego Bay Bridge (Cal. route 75) from Coronado peninsula to the interchange with I-5, under the bridge is an urban arts space known as Chicano Park. The view of the bay bridge from downtown San Diego is nice to see in the late afternoon.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Rover_0 on July 11, 2011, 02:12:27 PM
Not to be a homer here, but I think that the Glen Canyon Bridge deserves mention:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.travelpod.com%2Fusers%2Frosemarys%2F1.1250899899.bridge-at-glen-canyon-dam.jpg&hash=9ade1ed601b21a87dda90e4d9bde748f83880198)

Maybe not because of the bridge itself, but rather because of the surrounding scenery, and also what the engineering feat meant in connecting the two sides of the canyon to this then- (and still-) remote part of the country.

Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: texaskdog on July 11, 2011, 10:27:05 PM
Quote from: Rover_0 on July 11, 2011, 02:12:27 PM
Not to be a homer here, but I think that the Glen Canyon Bridge deserves mention:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.travelpod.com%2Fusers%2Frosemarys%2F1.1250899899.bridge-at-glen-canyon-dam.jpg&hash=9ade1ed601b21a87dda90e4d9bde748f83880198)

Maybe not because of the bridge itself, but rather because of the surrounding scenery, and also what the engineering feat meant in connecting the two sides of the canyon to this then- (and still-) remote part of the country.



THANK YOU!  I will be there on August 16th!
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Chicagosuburban on July 19, 2011, 01:27:50 AM
I like the bridges of downtown Pittsburgh a lot.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: BamaZeus on July 21, 2011, 11:14:24 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on June 13, 2011, 08:20:45 PM
And then there's the Sesame Street song. Which, interestingly, doesn't seem to be on YouTube.

Hehe.  I've been looking for it for years myself.  It's one of those songs that's been stuck in my head for years, yet I haven't heard it for real since it was on Sesame Street ~30 years ago.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: kkt on July 30, 2011, 01:30:04 AM
The Golden Gate, of course.

Also the Russian Gulch bridge on California SR-1 http://bridgehunter.com/ca/mendocino/100151/ (http://bridgehunter.com/ca/mendocino/100151/)

and how about the Selah Creek Bridge on I-82 in Washington http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3801007 (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3801007)

Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Brandon on August 01, 2011, 09:46:57 PM
Quincy's Bayview Bridge isn't too bad, IMHO.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1383.jpg&hash=a7b580b41d337e734c2506a72f12725ea6829977)

But I do like the metal monsters.

Savanna-Sabula Bridge
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1345.jpg&hash=42548ef0073bff9cccb8390b35c4fee9809d8ab8)

Beardstown Bridge
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1386.jpg&hash=aff7cd1bbcc6d281b3e65a988bbaa82089f82da0)

Spring Valley Bridge
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_0836.jpg&hash=98e9f9fe5973d20c246ffa673931ac627128e657)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Chicagosuburban on August 16, 2011, 02:11:56 AM
I like the Lake Freeway bridge in Milwaukee.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: SteveG1988 on August 21, 2011, 11:15:56 AM
The bridge to nowhere in the san gabriel mountains.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_to_Nowhere_%28San_Gabriel_Mountains%29


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fthumb%2F4%2F41%2FBridge_to_Nowhere%2528San_Gabriel_Mountains%2529.JPG%2F758px-Bridge_to_Nowhere%2528San_Gabriel_Mountains%2529.JPG&hash=7b042ceb3e62213850a06eb22a1941d4646b81be)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: texaskdog on September 05, 2011, 12:00:11 PM
http://highestbridges.com/
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: texaskdog on September 06, 2011, 07:26:26 PM
Saw one in Cameron, Arizona a few weeks ago....

trying to figure out how to post a pic though
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 06, 2011, 08:37:00 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on September 06, 2011, 07:26:26 PM
Saw one in Cameron, Arizona a few weeks ago....

trying to figure out how to post a pic though

you must be referring to this bridge:

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/009375.jpg)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: texaskdog on September 06, 2011, 10:04:09 PM
Good one, thanks for the assist!
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 06, 2011, 10:05:48 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on September 06, 2011, 10:04:09 PM
Good one, thanks for the assist!

from my first major road trip when I got an SLR; was playing around with long exposures well after dusk. 
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: roadman65 on October 05, 2011, 07:38:51 PM
Bayonne Bridge is so beautiful!  Too bad it may come down in the next twenty years due to new larger container ships.  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey owns both the bridge and Port Newark.  They want the larger ships to dock at their port so they will be more than happy to replace the current 1931 structure!  We may see another cable stayed bridge in its place, plus NJDOT wants to extend the Hudson- Bergen Light Rail onto Staten Island as well that is another good reason to tear it down.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Alps on October 05, 2011, 10:33:06 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 05, 2011, 07:38:51 PM
Bayonne Bridge is so beautiful!  Too bad it may come down in the next twenty years due to new larger container ships.
False. It's protected as a historic structure. The plan is to raise the bridge deck within the bridge, I believe. (I was a fan of raising the entire thing to preserve the profile, but it would have been much more difficult and costly.)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on October 07, 2011, 09:24:15 PM
I'd say my favourite in QC would be the Laviolette (A-55 between Bécancour and Trois-Rivières.)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: roadman65 on October 09, 2011, 04:29:34 PM
Quote from: Steve on October 05, 2011, 10:33:06 PM
]
False. It's protected as a historic structure. The plan is to raise the bridge deck within the bridge, I believe. (I was a fan of raising the entire thing to preserve the profile, but it would have been much more difficult and costly.)

I hope you're right about this, though the Port Authority is strong and the fact that it is a bi-state bureaucracy does not stop them from getting what they want.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on October 10, 2011, 12:59:24 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on October 07, 2011, 09:24:15 PM
I'd say my favourite in QC would be the Laviolette (A-55 between Bécancour and Trois-Rivières.)

Moi aussi

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FPQ%2FA%2F55%2FA55_pont_Laviolette_forum.jpg&hash=ef5cfe3cece5d193a51c1e89cffc58197b9fa13c)

Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on October 10, 2011, 10:19:26 PM
Nice shot, AsphaltPlanet. It's a shame I didn't have my camera when I went (only to get A-55 clinched once and for all). The Grand-Mère Bridge (on QC-153) is a pretty one too!
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: SteveG1988 on October 23, 2011, 12:17:26 PM
Heres one i took last year on a explore the area trip.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi624.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt327%2FSteveG1988%2F2010-12-02_15-37-12_560.jpg&hash=0ee87edfd697337138a344919a4293f540eef303)

It is pretty impressive in every way, its height,width,length, plus it is the longest cantiliver in the united states.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 30, 2011, 10:57:14 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F60900_1457999367742_1166104707_31100577_7754992_n.jpg&hash=19f718c2e2cdf0eaa848f385beb11dc815085b94)
Helmick Mill/Island Run Covered Bridge over Island Run (35-58-35) 74', Built 1867, Restored 2009
TR269 west of Eagleport. Morgan County, Ohio
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: 1995hoo on December 08, 2011, 04:29:24 PM
Nice picture. Shame about the graffiti. People have no respect these days.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 09, 2011, 02:22:17 AM
Does the Tappan Zee count for anything in this thread? Ha ha! Me and a friend crossed it on August 20th northbound/westbound, eventually heading to Lakewood, NJ.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVOUGD.jpg&hash=a67d2841aed8a213e5d9522bfc0713a557da8912)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fzu95A.jpg&hash=e488d57b1641d9c7c562260a90479ca36abd8508)

These two pictures came from the Seabees Memorial Bridge, spanning the Connecticut River between Brattleboro, VT and Chesterfield, NH, along VT and NH Routes 9, respectively. I even got the shot of the NH DOT state line marker on the west shore of the Connecticut River. They were taken on June 8, 2010, with the first picture on the Brattleboro, VT side.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fambxi.jpg&hash=f386126a4c17f7abc1031c4c2cfdf1876f2c1a23)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUsmXl.jpg&hash=c80edc84a0f7d5309b765d538b82dd60a08625d6)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Ian on December 12, 2011, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on December 09, 2011, 02:22:17 AM
Does the Tappan Zee count for anything in this thread?

I think the bridge itself is nice looking, but I don't feel very safe driving over it.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: david1gray on December 15, 2011, 12:06:17 PM
MacDonald Bridge in Halifax, Nova Scotia:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6182%2F6029044441_13cfbeee0e_z.jpg&hash=4dded03b9d70cb8bd3449f922ef5f3a3cc0c1a7e)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.staticflickr.com%2F4151%2F5090470332_f8e199d98e_z.jpg&hash=d6e3946751e092c3d13270a06e09879292cd78f6)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.staticflickr.com%2F4108%2F5090466708_d7ff1fbac7_z.jpg&hash=8ac80459b03ac59c79a60b329519d1ac19e30183)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3593%2F4615883038_571bd51681_z.jpg&hash=7dc4d057c208ce5ff9e5869ed40a2591909d249e)
pics are my own
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: yakra on December 15, 2011, 03:30:10 PM
The A-55 bridge above reminds me of the Piscataque River Bridge, between ME & NH on I-95.

Elsewhere:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ficons-ak.wunderground.com%2Fdata%2Fwximagenew%2Fb%2Fbigkid%2F1-800.jpg&hash=b37323bea41796f41e4776e307f0019ad29b09eb)
Left: the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, 1931
Right: the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, 2006
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 15, 2011, 03:56:33 PM
Ya mean this bridge? :D

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fjvuqd.jpg&hash=02b59d1aeda9bb90a628cc2b9c62cb8e9100b159)

As I was on a Concord Coach Lines bus, crossing into Kittery, ME on June 20, 2011.  :-P
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: 1995hoo on December 16, 2011, 10:00:50 AM
I remember the old Waldo-Hancock Bridge mentioned by "yakra." I recall it seeming very rickety and decrepit and I always ranked it as one of the scariest bridges I'd ever ridden over (not driven, as I was a passenger).
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: yakra on December 16, 2011, 12:18:16 PM
Kevin: That's the one! (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=43.086755,-70.760107&spn=0.044129,0.077162&t=m&z=14&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=43.08684,-70.76002&panoid=vmJQ1EUxEoP9UaryAaeTEA&cbp=12,323.69,,0,-2.1)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: david1gray on December 16, 2011, 12:33:05 PM
here is another one in Nova Scotia, the Seal Island Bridge, part of Trans Canada 105.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7010%2F6433676105_4e84a2a41b_z.jpg&hash=31481d137eeb011ced4ff158ae29bba01f98f53d)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/6433676105/sizes/z/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/6433676105/sizes/z/in/photostream/)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Duke87 on December 19, 2011, 09:15:41 PM
Quote from: yakra on December 15, 2011, 03:30:10 PM
the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, 2006

Whoah, time lapse dissonance moment. I had no idea that bridge was finished. I remember driving over the old bridge while the new one was still under construction and nowhere near complete, thinking "wow, the new bridge will be nice when it's finished someday"... and the fact that that was seven and a half years ago (summer 2004) just sank in. Damn.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: surferdude on December 21, 2011, 03:16:33 PM
New River Gorge in WV on US Route 19

1) On the back of a US Quater, See WV Quater
2) You can jump of the bridge on Bridge Day in October.  I participated what a rush. 
3) One of the highest spans on the east coast, if not the highest in the US. 


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qualityinnnewrivergorge.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fsliders%2Fslide-new-river-gorge-bridge.jpg&hash=a02fae88081816e2f6f1d8942042c6090f0df7e9)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: KEK Inc. on December 27, 2011, 01:34:09 AM
No Bixby Bridge? 

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapplefight.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fbig-sur-bixby-bridge.jpg&hash=78070f02f325bc52a2e03dc9b59a72f83e5aaae1)

You can't exclude Hong Kong from this.  :P
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epd.gov.hk%2Fepd%2Fmisc%2Fehk04%2Fenglish%2Fhk%2Fimages%2Fpic04.jpg&hash=e552e9b57a79e2f6db6e5f91fca91804179facf1)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: roadman65 on December 27, 2011, 08:12:00 PM
Quote from: surferdude on December 21, 2011, 03:16:33 PM
New River Gorge in WV on US Route 19

1) On the back of a US Quater, See WV Quater
2) You can jump of the bridge on Bridge Day in October.  I participated what a rush. 
3) One of the highest spans on the east coast, if not the highest in the US. 


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qualityinnnewrivergorge.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fsliders%2Fslide-new-river-gorge-bridge.jpg&hash=a02fae88081816e2f6f1d8942042c6090f0df7e9)

According to information at the Visitors Center at the north end of this bridge, the Washington Monument can easily fit underneath it.  That is how tall this structure is.  I think, though, the highest in the US is in Colorado near Canon City.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: NE2 on December 27, 2011, 09:40:15 PM
This guy's done some research on said topic: http://highestbridges.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Bridges_in_United_States
The Royal Gorge is indeed the highest. Second is the one at Hoover Dam, and third is the New River Gorge.

(Note that he measures from mean low water level to the deck, or from the former level in the case of a manmade reservoir: http://highestbridges.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page#Bridge_Height_Measurements)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: empirestate on December 28, 2011, 01:25:58 AM
I have to say, there's one bridge that I always find myself looking at whenever I pass it. That's the Court Street Bridge in Owego, NY. It's by no means monumental or famous, but it is very graceful and has an appealingly appropriate scale. It's nice to pass on NY 17 and see the little village anchoring the far end of it. It was a total rebuild in 2003 or so and is one of few successful examples of this that I can think of.

Stolen image below:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.empirestateroads.com%2Fphotos%2FOwego_court_street_bridge.jpg&hash=bb1e4bdf5865c0dff434a4b38377ee08421f866d)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: KEK Inc. on December 30, 2011, 03:58:48 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthebesttraveldestinations.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F02%2FMillau-Viaduct8-400x265.jpg&hash=e8b7cdb43b1c235152aa004621ba85cb8e77390f)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthebuilderblog.files.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fmillau_viaduct_norman_foster.jpg&hash=0ce25915a65faf9ab52564e67b1b17c39d01b61e)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: r-dub on January 08, 2012, 12:52:42 AM
US 24 in Colorado between Minturn and Leadville boasts the Red Cliff Arch Bridge over the Eagle River:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fr-dub.us%2Fpics%2Frcabridge.jpg&hash=1ef3ccb56fb28bd2559165bdba22d3d17cce2ad7)

Maybe the surrounding scenery helps me with the beautiful part...
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: vtk on January 08, 2012, 09:14:53 AM
I think that one's interesting, at least, because it's a bridge over another bridge, which itself is a bridge over two other things.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: berberry on February 24, 2012, 10:41:59 AM
Until my trip to Tishomingo County last week, I had no idea that Mississippi has a covered bridge.  It's in Iuka.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv226%2Fberberry%2F2012-02-16%2520Tishomingo%2520State%2520Park%2Fcoveredbridgeiniuka.jpg&hash=02204d7f3074a389585d657ce74d3b7b88fca437)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Marc on April 01, 2012, 11:51:15 PM
For me, it's the Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, FL.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bridgepros.com%2Fprojects%2FDamesPoint%2Fdamept9.jpg&hash=804089a7783c93a218ea5db4deab59c850e7f354)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 02, 2012, 05:22:59 PM
There are many beautiful bridges here in Northern and Central Ca.

My most favorite bridge, no doubt, is the mighty Golden Gate. It just looks very graceful and the color looks perfect.

Though I've never been on it, the Bay Bridge looks very nice. Especially the new east span under construction.

Another one of my favorites has to be the Bixby on Hwy 1 north of Big Sur. Just...spectacular.

An honorable mention from me has to be the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge. Looks very nice, hope to see I-11 or whatever they happen to number it use this elegant bridge.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Brandon on April 23, 2012, 07:08:54 AM
Here's a few from my own backyard.  Not one, not two, but four Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridges.

Jefferson Street:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1871.jpg&hash=565b43ca9277f8e455c2d2dc1ff27296ffafb4a8)

Cass Street with Jackson Street behind, and Ruby Street (Chicago-style bascule) further up river:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1872.jpg&hash=9f18f3bc42aa1d6fbe8e384449a58fa8f9602de7)

Rock Island RR left bridge with McDonough Street behind, and the twin I-80 bridges (cantilever trusses) further down river):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_1875.jpg&hash=9c500d78cabfa722be209276e7ee3b979ae2160c)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: DaBigE on July 08, 2012, 06:55:19 PM
Sorry, can't narrow it down to just one...

Michigan St Bridge, Sturgeon Bay, WI:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages114.fotki.com%2Fv145%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_4562-vi.jpg&hash=9788b12a969cc133eb738967ec1fedf2412be909)

The last covered bridge in Wisconsin, just outside of Cedarburg, WI:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages12.fotki.com%2Fv531%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_0358-vi.jpg&hash=d7dad1a733122c10f5eade1090f5137e25821f59)

I-535/US 53 bridge between Superior, WI and Duluth,MN:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages34.fotki.com%2Fv1144%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_2603-vi.jpg&hash=1b7ded596ddde6644547662ea218bd7bcff036b5)

Richard Bong Memorial Bridge/US 2 bridge also between Superior, WI and Duluth, MN:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages34.fotki.com%2Fv1146%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_2599-vi.jpg&hash=185df7540a63a4cd1b91db3753345a898b556606)

all photos taken by myself
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: DaBigE on July 08, 2012, 07:01:36 PM
Quote from: Chicagosuburban on August 16, 2011, 02:11:56 AM
I like the Lake Freeway bridge in Milwaukee.

That would be the Daniel Hoan Bridge (I-794):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F25%2FHoan_Bridge.jpg%2F800px-Hoan_Bridge.jpg&hash=f43982586116d69f1034150d3671174920cbdb45)

photo curtesey of Wikipedia
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Road Hog on July 08, 2012, 11:34:28 PM
Inland Texas isn't particularly famous for bridges, but there are some good ones on the Gulf Coast.

The Rainbow Bridge over the Neches River (don't get dizzy):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn8.wn.com%2Fpd%2Fb8%2Fdb%2F3f91bce1a2721fb5ae04d210f1b9_grande.jpg&hash=796f264b2db541428ff5d7ff63ecff5da1163274)

The Fred Hartman Bridge at Baytown:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnweeks.com%2Fcablestay%2Fpics%2Fbaytown009.jpg&hash=480b13f98b5988685721ba2ddeb439c665373ceb)

Although Dallas just opened the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge, which is supposed to be the first in a series of Trinity River bridges:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dallasnews.com%2Fincoming%2F20120301-nm_17huntbridge15.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2Fw620x413%2FNM_17HuntBridge15.jpg&hash=2e6a21b071c5aa1ff238a17e7cd3b574bdb0b4d4)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Brandon on August 12, 2012, 09:10:59 PM
Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron, MI; Point Edward, ON) from the International Roads Meet:

From Michigan:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_2495.jpg&hash=3d61bbd0f74163bc280127f12e6802cc3c50aeb7)

From Ontario:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_2518.jpg&hash=0ee0a59c8e17d651b3ff80b20caab83ad4b931d6)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: NE2 on September 06, 2012, 08:10:49 AM
Best-looking three-level stack?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3191%2F2836287425_59575dd9fe_b.jpg&hash=c55be8d17f9a2af4f2caae09f95c997dcea9596b) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbercore/2836287425/)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 06, 2012, 12:37:14 PM
there is a similar concept somewhere on CA-70 at the Feather River.  two railroad bridges cross each other over the water.  I believe CA-70 crosses under one and parallels the other.

it's two fairly ordinary truss bridges, but the scenery is quite excellent. 

alas, I do not have a photo offhand.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: vtk on September 06, 2012, 01:21:55 PM
Quote from: NE2 on September 06, 2012, 08:10:49 AM
Best-looking three-level stack?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3191%2F2836287425_59575dd9fe_b.jpg&hash=c55be8d17f9a2af4f2caae09f95c997dcea9596b) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbercore/2836287425/)

Wood arches?  I've seen something similar for a ped/bike bridge over the Olentangy River, but I wouldn't expect to see this for a highway bridge...
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: 707 on September 06, 2012, 07:59:41 PM
I personally like the Oakland Bay Bridge in SF the best. I found out that it could stand up for more than a century if left to the elements without maintenance, outlasting the Golden Gate Bridge which is also high on my list.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2012, 01:45:12 PM
Here's another one for the "Ordinary Bridge, Awesome Scenery" category:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmw2.google.com%2Fmw-panoramio%2Fphotos%2Fmedium%2F16063857.jpg&hash=d4d78fdf11eb695d906eab81f74b9419e60558a9)

Though I've driven the highway, they were in the process of building this bridge at the time.  I'd say the ensuing one-lane detour down the valley and back up again–which included a shallow ford–was more cool than the actual bridge.

Here's Wikipedia's view (although it's probably not a trustworthy photo):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fc%2Fc3%2FPuente-el-Progreso---Jalisco-Mexico.jpg%2F800px-Puente-el-Progreso---Jalisco-Mexico.jpg&hash=3a69307ee2f34c33c66b69752888f2bdac64cb82)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Alps on September 16, 2012, 01:53:21 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2012, 01:45:12 PM
Here's another one for the "Ordinary Bridge, Awesome Scenery" category:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmw2.google.com%2Fmw-panoramio%2Fphotos%2Fmedium%2F16063857.jpg&hash=d4d78fdf11eb695d906eab81f74b9419e60558a9)

Disagree. Awesome bridge. Just because it looks ordinary when driving on it - so does New River Gorge.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: triplemultiplex on September 25, 2012, 06:47:25 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on July 08, 2012, 06:55:19 PM
The last covered bridge in Wisconsin, just outside of Cedarburg, WI:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages12.fotki.com%2Fv531%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_0358-vi.jpg&hash=d7dad1a733122c10f5eade1090f5137e25821f59)

Wait, what?  The last one?  I don't think so.
http://www.dalejtravis.com/cblist/cbwi.htm (http://www.dalejtravis.com/cblist/cbwi.htm)
Some of those are private property, but still, Wisconsin has a bunch of them on public roads.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: DaBigE on September 27, 2012, 01:56:37 PM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on September 25, 2012, 06:47:25 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on July 08, 2012, 06:55:19 PM
The last covered bridge in Wisconsin, just outside of Cedarburg, WI:

Wait, what?  The last one?  I don't think so.
http://www.dalejtravis.com/cblist/cbwi.htm (http://www.dalejtravis.com/cblist/cbwi.htm)
Some of those are private property, but still, Wisconsin has a bunch of them on public roads.

Don't kill the messenger; I'm just repeating what the signs said:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages14.fotki.com%2Fv390%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_0370-vi.jpg&hash=c0a4362988e4fa9056cd83f5a039eb71e81dd2d8)  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages51.fotki.com%2Fv1562%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_0371-vi.jpg&hash=0704558a3ba9745166ade9c5b50d0ae2c7e7f18a)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 27, 2012, 02:09:54 PM
maybe it was the last one built, and everything thereafter is a different design?
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: Alps on September 27, 2012, 11:21:20 PM
Maybe the DAR didn't know of other bridges. After all, there was no Internet in 1955.
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: triplemultiplex on September 28, 2012, 10:11:09 PM
To me, "last" implies the last one in existence, not the last one built.  And if they meant 'last one built', that was awfully presumptuous to assume no more would be built ever again.
Suffice to say, Wisconsin has other covered bridges and newer covered bridges.  The Feds built one in the national forest near my hometown in the early 90's, for example.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dalejtravis.com%2Fbridge%2Fwisconsn%2Fjpg%2F4905101a.jpg&hash=9f26e17801aec8a786d6a3ffc30d123db756f0e4)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: cpzilliacus on October 26, 2012, 11:59:01 AM
I don't think anyone has mentioned the Blue Ridge Parkway's Linn Cove Viaduct (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linn_Cove_Viaduct) in Avery County, North Carolina.

Images of the viaduct under construction (late 1970's and early 1980's) from the FHWA's Web site:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fbridge%2Fpt%2Fimages%2Fptc09.jpg&hash=75d3c3dd16663ead16ece3893b10f31efa28bc59)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fbridge%2Fprefab%2Fimages%2Flinn.jpg&hash=1745b2f67fd1e463a471b09833a6d3830e3b8465)
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: tvketchum on November 11, 2012, 10:15:56 AM
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9620_11154_11188-29665--,00.html

Besides the Mackinac Bridge, the Cut River Bridge is an excellent structure, elegant, and fitting it's locale. It has often been described as "a million dollar bridge over a nickle river".
Title: Re: Most Beautiful Bridge
Post by: cpzilliacus on November 11, 2012, 04:57:46 PM
The bridge that carries the Md. 200 (ICC) toll road over the Rock Creek (yes, the same creek that runs through the District of Columbia) is an attractive structure, but most motorists have never seen it from the side (click link below for Washington Post article from 2011 with image).

ICC aesthetics: Earth tones, arches and more that motorists might not notice (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022207236.html)